Matthew 5:6 (for women)

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Seven

2012-01-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

My first experience cooking with gas was in Singapore. Our “L” shaped, outdoor kitchen was striking and what I would expect in a cabana on a tropical island in a location like the Whit Sundays…where the water is a clear, radiant blue; champagne is served like juice or soft drinks; and fine dining occurs under a vast blanket of stars.

Being I never really learned how to cook, I refrained from using the gas range often. One time, I distinctly remember lowering my face to watch as I tried to light the flame. Needless to say I walked away with singed eyelashes on my left eye and was fortunate I did not loose my eyebrows.

I was asked to Christmas dinner with some others whose friendship I enjoy. Cocktail dress or formal gowns were required. Thirty minutes before washing I had to remember to flip the switch outside the bathroom to heat the water. Such a tiny toggle for a fairly important job. Well, essential to me anyway, I did not favor cold showers. (Infact, I would rather stink than bathe in frigid water.) Tonight I remembered. I put on a velvety, maroon, sleeveless number, black nylon stockings, and heels. With my hair swept into a graceful do and clutch under my arm I was ready for an evening of sophisticated dining. I spritzed a bit of my favorite perfume on my neck before leaving and left a trail of fragrant fruity flowers behind me. We headed to an expensive restaurant with a sensational view as that of birds.

Seated in an alcove booth we could look out the picturesque windows and see for miles. The scenery was breathtaking. The city radiated with a glowing vibe below us. We were on top of the world. Spirits were high as we browsed the menu. Fifty dollars for a salad and appetizer and one hundred dollars purchased a dinner plate with portions so small they barely filled me up. I would most likely eat again later. But I felt it was worth every penny. I was in great company and we laughed and posed for pictures with each other after our meal. The place was deserted as we went from one location to the next for each photo…by the vase, on the stairs, near the bouquet…each change of surroundings warranted a swapping out of people. (This was before digital cameras so I am not sure how many rolls of film we went through that night.)

--------------------------------

Before I went out some mornings I walked across the street to a little hole-in-the-wall place where I got my photographs processed. By the end of my five month stay in Singapore I had enough prints to fill an oversized album (that was rather difficult for me to transport). There were hundreds of portraits of people, colleagues, and roommates along with landscapes of the Sentosa Merlion, temples, work, the city, and rural areas. Moments of time frozen on four by six paper until they eventually fade into nothingness. Flashes of a life that can be pasted together into a story.

One final decision stood staring me in the face…where to go on my vacation? And as it came together, myself, a member of my work family, and her boyfriend planned a trip to one of the most amazing places I have ever visited…Cairns, Australia. Following were two more weeks in Singapore, back to the States for one month, then on to Taipei, Taiwan.

Faith Hope Love: Chapter Seven

The Cross, Sepulchre, Hill Difficulty, and House Beautiful

2012-01-25T23:39:00.000-08:00

Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey

The "Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey" is a "blog hop" (if you will) based on John Bunyan's THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. Each of my posts (at the start of the "hop") will contain a "place" and "characters" from the literature. Today's is:

The Cross, Sepulchre, Hill Difficulty, and House Beautiful

1st Stop - Watchful: Albert Mohler
2nd Stop - Discretion: Donna Perugini Children's Author
3rd Stop - Prudence: The Little Missionary Girl All Grown Up
4th Stop - Piety: PJ's Prayer Line
5th Stop - Charity: The Worst Preacher's Wife Ever
Final Stop - Humble-Mind: A Pause on the Path

I hope you are encouraged!

Death is Swallowed Up in Victory

2012-01-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

There are parts of a marriage that are private. Just as, I suppose, there are pieces of a relationship with God and Christ Jesus that can be deemed as personal and intimate. But other things about a marriage are public and I feel the same can be said regarding faith. Like a wedding ceremony, baptism is an open declaration of love and commitment. There are just certain behaviors that go hand in hand with the union of a husband and wife as with receiving grace and the Holy Spirit. A single person behaves differently than one with a spouse likewise an unbeliever from one who believes.

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV)

When I ponder the question, "Why blog?" I feel the above scripture sums it up nicely... to not only "share the gospel of God but also" a bit of myself (however awkward that may be at times) because the body of Christ, (those yet to be, and even those who are not) are "very dear" to me.

In the Lord Your Labor is Not in Vain

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:50-58 ESV)

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Six

2012-01-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

I do not mind being alone, really. I do not feel there is anything wrong with one eating unaccompanied, having a drink by oneself, watching a movie, reading a book, living, or even traveling solo. “One” is not always “the loneliest number”.

I have yet to find anything quite as exhilarating and (in a sense) death defying as a cab ride in New York City…though I feel traffic in Paris (and Italy at World Cup time) is a close second. (I have gone skydiving but that is a different kind of thrilling and risky!) Aside from the Singapore subway (SMRT/ MRT) and the “Air Con”/ “No Air Con” buses, taxis were abundant (and the most common form of transportation I used).

I suppose you never know what to expect when you climb into a taxicab for the first time in a new place. (I am certainly not brave enough to rent a vehicle and drive myself around!) Though an adventure in itself, riding in a car-for-hire in Singapore is tame compared to the swerving, high-energy, heart-stopping, near miss, madness that is New York’s idea of public transportation. Sometimes, the drivers would even practice their English on me.

In the United States I can be found moseying around a bookstore and café by myself but here in Singapore it is the floors and stores of Takashimaya or along the stretch of Orchard Road. I am especially fond of the small section that contains two American fast food joints. Now, I would not frequent these places in the States but here is a different story.

I order my value meal then sit outside in the warming sun. All of a sudden home seems so much closer. I look around and admire the beauty that is Singapore. The skyline is breathtaking as the modernized buildings reach to the heights. The delicate, orchid looking flowers bob their heads in the humidity. Some have centers painted by yellow and framed by pure white petals. Others boast of lavender with a sunshine middle. Their cheerful faces greet all who walk passed.

December and January are upon me and with them come an invitation to a Christmas dinner with some members of my work family and a two week vacation (though admittedly I am still undecided on where I want to go). Before my relationship with my “boyfriend” was severed I was going to visit with him in England but now I am thinking somewhere a little more tropical might be the way to go. With Stella still fresh on my mind, how can I resist?

I am finding even though I make plans for myself, it is actually God who directs my steps (Proverbs 16:9 & 19:21). And although I learned of God as I grew up in the church, I do not truly know Him or his Son. But, God has started a good work in me. One I know He will continue until completion (Philippians 1:6). One day He will give me eyes to “see” and ears to “hear” so I may receive grace from faith alone (Ephesians 2:8). It is a narrow path and I have a lot to learn…first of all being: God is sovereign. This concept is foreign to me yet I feel it is truth.

In high school I was a member of my church youth group. Between the ages of ten and eighteen are the years I believe I matured the most in my love for God and His Son Christ Jesus. I used to sit on top of the trunk of my mother’s Mercury Marquis and stare at the heavens. I watched as the clouds meandered past. Their wispy, light bodies sailed gently and slowly through the sky. They appeared friendly and inviting not scary and threatening like the storm clouds that rolled through at least once a day. I offered up prayers of petitions and thankfulness to God while light outlined the clouds and illuminated their edges. They pressed together and squeezed the sunlight into streams that broke through and cascaded to the earth. It is at these times I think God is looking down on someone. “Shine your light on me, Lord,” I would say. “Please let me be favored in your sight.”

My peers and chaperones at “youth group” created a perfect storm, if you will. It was such a mix of personalities and individuals that complemented each member. We laughed together, cried collectively (Romans 12:15), were challenged, stretched, and developed as one body…a young “body of Christ” with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Some of my strongest memories of and ties to other people are from that crowd and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

So how is it I stumbled and fell so far away from God during my very short attempt at a University before traveling? I had the head knowledge. I strived so hard as a teenager to apply the bible to my life. But it would not be until grace that the scriptures would become my life. This heart of mine was still made of stone (Ezekiel 36:26).

Faith Hope Love: Chapter Six

House of the Interpreter

2012-01-18T22:18:00.000-08:00

Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey

The "Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey" is a "blog hop" (if you will) based on John Bunyan's THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. Each of my posts (at the start of the "hop") will contain a "place" and "characters" from the literature. Last week's can be found here. Today's is:

House of the Interpreter

1st Stop - Goodwill: Grace to You
2nd Stop - The Interpreter: Eternal Perspective Ministries
3rd Stop - Innocent: Apert.org
4th Stop - Mr. Great-Heart: Campfire Cowboy Ministries
Final Stop(s) - Shining Ones: Flowing Faith and Ordinarily Extraordinary

“This parlor, said the Interpreter, is the heart of a man who was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel. The dust is his original sin and inward corruptions that have defiled the whole man. He that began to sweep at first, is the law. But she that brought water and sprinkled it is the gospel. Now you saw that as soon as the first began to sweep the dust flew about the room so that it could not be cleaned, and you were almost choked with it. This is to show you that the law, instead of cleansing the heart by its working, from sin, does revive, strengthen and increase sin in the soul even as it does discover and forbid it. For the law does not give power to subdue sin. Again, you saw the young woman sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure. This is to show you that when the sweet and precious influence of the gospel comes into the heart then sin is vanquished and subdued and the soul made clean and, consequently, fit for the king of glory to inhabit.” ~THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

Walking with Lisa: Chapter Two

2012-01-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

[Her] throat is an open grave;
[she uses her tongue] to deceive."
The venom of asps is under [her] lips.
[Her] mouth is full of curses and bitterness.
[Her] feet are swift to shed blood;
in [her] paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace [she has] not known.
There is no fear of God before [her] eyes. (Romans 3:13-18 ESV)

Putting on the Whole Armor of God

Walking with Lisa raises some debatable points (i.e. Is it wise for one to engage with her or should she be avoided (Proverbs 12:26, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 14:6, 1 Corinthians 15:33)? And should love cover her sin (1 Peter 4:8) or should she be confronted regarding it? But before all of this, comes putting on the full armor of God, everyday!

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20. ESV.)

As the wickedness within her seeks to unravel me, I am able to stand steadfast with strength in Christ (Philippians 4:13)...and renew my mind each day with the word of God. But fastening on "the armor" before every interaction with her is imperative. If for no other part, the "helmet of salvation" to protect my thinking and reasoning is paramount. Lisa wages war in a person's brain more than anything else.

Take Every Thought Captive

5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5. ESV.)

When I am careless in contemplation doing chores (like laundry, cleaning, etc.) my ideas are left unsupervised. They dance foolishly about with no method to the madness. Such empty reflection in the presence of Lisa is dangerous. She says things like,

"You know, there's too many buttons in the world. There's too many buttons and they're just - there's way too many just begging to be pressed, they're just begging to be pressed, you know? They're just - they're just begging to be pressed! And it makes me wonder, it really makes me...wonder, why doesn't anyone ever press mine? Why am I so neglected? Why doesn't anyone reach in and rip out the truth and tell me that I'm a..., or that my parents wish I were dead?"

She is so good at pressing buttons. And yet, people let her! They do not "take every thought captive".

Yet, why did I choose to walk with Lisa? To be honest? Because she is the complete opposite of me...of you...of just about anybody.

No Matter How Steep or Treacherous the Path Before You

2012-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

"A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side." (Young, Sarah. JESUS CALLING. Thomas Nelson. 2004. Nashville, TN.)

I am joyfully blessed in a season where my family and I can serve the community. We did not arrive here easily or overnight and there were times when it just did not seem to be working out well...but here we are, ready and willing to be of service to our community, family, friends, and coworkers...and not a moment too late (it seems)!

We do not have a big home, infact it does not even hit the 1200 sq. ft. mark but we are still able to do various things whether it is collecting and distributing hand me down clothes, offering a warm meal, or even supplying a place for rest. In an economy where jobs are limited and forecloses are abundant, I am so thankful to be able to do for others.

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'

Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." (Luke 10:25-37 ESV)

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve. I pray I am a good steward of all you provide for me and my family.

Selling God and Jesus

2012-01-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Marketing faith and making money off of knowing God, the giving of His only begotten Son as an atonement of grace for our sins, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit just feels wrong to me. (And I say this in all innocents in spirit...no malicious intent involved.)

From where in the world did this thought come?

I was reading some blog posts about how to make an income using one's writing when I thought to myself, "What is my "niche"? About what would I write and then sell?" when my answer to myself was (my favorite topics), "Faith. God and Jesus," I felt a wave of "Ick" wash over me. For me, if a person's soul depends on information, why would I charge them money for it?

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 ESV)

When You Heard the Word of Truth

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV)

Grace Through Faith

Faith comes from receiving the word of God. The Great Commission says,

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19, 20 ESV)

And grace comes through faith alone:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." (Mark 4:14-20 ESV)

For me, I will continue to share the scriptures without charging a fee. And I pray God will always hold me to that!

Failure Is Death

2012-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

“Chaos is found in greatest abundance wherever order is being sought. It always defeats order, because it is better organized.” ― Terry Pratchett, Interesting Times

Here at this blog, I seek some kind of order. Though it may appear somewhat organized in appearance, I feel the posts are not. They're rather all over the place per se. So, I figure I'll attempt to keep some kind of schedule.

Mondays and Tuesdays will remain "free" post days for me.
Wednesdays are going to be "Walking with Lisa" Wednesdays.
Thursdays I will dedicate to the "Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey" blog hop. And, Fridays are slotted for "Faith. Hope. Love" Fridays.

Why Create

“The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him... a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create -- so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his very breath is cut off from him. He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency he is not really alive unless he is creating.” ― Pearl S. Buck

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you. (Psalm 139:14-18 ESV)

The City of Destruction and Slough of Despond

2012-01-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey

Each follower of Christ has a path all his/her own while walking with God (Genesis 5:24) . At times our courses may intersect or run parallel with others in the body of Christ for a time and then split until eternity. For each, sin riddles the Way and leaning on one another becomes imperative. I feel God designed the body for support, encouragement, and perseverance for running the race (2 Timothy 4:7) for His glory.

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.(1 Timothy 6:12. ESV.)

The "Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey" is a "blog hop" (if you will) based on John Bunyan's THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. Each of my posts (at the start of the "hop") will contain a "place" and "characters" from the literature. Today's is:

The City of Destruction and Slough of Despond

1st Stop - Christian: Intentional Christian Living
2nd Stop - Christiana: Tracee Persiko
3rd Stop - Mercy: All Access Pass to Jack
4th Stop - Evangelist: Desiring God
Final Stop - Help: I'd Laugh...But All This Happened To Me

I pray you will be encouraged!

And the Lord Went Before Them

2012-01-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. (Exodus 13:21, 22 ESV)

The cool breeze rushed through the aft door of the plane as the catering service endeavored to replace used product while the aircraft was at the gate. My tired body grabbed some carry on luggage and I summoned the kiddos as I slowly made way toward the cockpit. Finally, we were (almost) home after a long day of travel "from sea to shining sea". What began at 6:30 a.m. EST was now winding down at 6:00 Pacific time...(not including the hour and thirty minute drive home from the airport). I was just about spent...nearly ready to call it a day...and what a day!

God's Word

(Let me be weighed in a just balance,
and let God know my integrity!) (Job 31:6 ESV)

Yes, let God (and everyone else) know my integrity and my heart!

What Draws Us Together?

So, what draws me to you and you to me? The things we have in common, I suppose...especially since we have most likely never met in person (so physical attraction does not weigh in on this one.) So, on what common ground do we stand?

Travel

I am a traveler by nature. I can honestly say it runs in my family and I am just wired that way. Give me two weeks worth of clothes, a suitcase, access to the Internet, a means of travel, and a way to bring my family along and I am a happy girl!

As a young adult it was a method and feeling of freedom. Then it became a job, income, and excitement. Now that I am married with children it is mainly for visiting family...however one day I am prayerful I will again get paid to be a nomad.

Oh, Lord! I am so tired. Though I love seeing your creation and experiencing various locations, tonight I am exhausted. Yet, I thank you for the opportunity!

Called in the Lord

For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Corinthians 7:22, 23 ESV)

If Any Believing Woman Has Relatives Who Are Widows, Let Her Care for Them

2012-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:26, 27 ESV)

I know I said it is not quite time to talk about this but I am going to a little bit anyway. "Visit orphans and widows in their affliction." I reference this scripture whenever I perceive a woman and/or child(ren) in need. What would God want me to do? He says to "visit them". But, what does this mean? Matthew 25:36 says this,

I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' (ESV)

Job 31:17-18 states,

or have eaten my morsel alone,
and the fatherless has not eaten of it
(for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father,
and from my mother's womb I guided the widow), (ESV)

Bring Justice to the Fatherless

learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow's cause. (Isaiah 1:17 ESV)

With this economy being what it is, there are many without an income, a home, etc. So if I have something to offer (like a job position, extra bed, hand-me-down clothes, etc.) I feel I should make it available to "orphans and widows in their affliction". But the word of God also tells me, "if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household".

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.... If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. (1 Timothy 5:3-8, 16 ESV)

I have let my heart be known. I stand before the throne of grace with my petition. Please, Lord, hear my plea. The door remains open. It has not yet been closed. Please, Lord, reveal Your will on this matter and let not my heart be troubled but in obedience to You, have peace.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Dominion and Fear Are With God

2012-01-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

I feel the scriptures are packed with what I consider to be helpful (encouraging) words. This original "daily devotional", speaks to the heart of the reader regardless of their circumstance.

Be Healthy

Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:10 ESV)

Be Wise

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. (Ecclesiastes 7:21, 22 ESV)

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words. (Proverbs 23:9 ESV)

The Only Thing to Fear is God Himself

Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15 ESV)

"Dominion and fear are with God;
he makes peace in his high heaven.
Is there any number to his armies?
Upon whom does his light not arise?
How then can man be in the right before God?
How can he who is born of woman be pure?
Behold, even the moon is not bright,
and the stars are not pure in his eyes; (Job 25:2-5 ESV)

Be Intimate

Having a relationship with God is very intimate. Likewise, I feel our bonds to one another should also be deep, faithful, loving, and profound. Each should strive to be the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and learn the important lessons God teaches us through those He places in our life.

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away. (Proverbs 27:10 ESV)

I Will Bring You Back to the Place From Which I Sent You Into Exile

2012-01-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

This life (James 4:14) seems like going from one season of waiting on the Lord to the next. Some of these periods of time are stressful for me (because I just cannot seem to keep my mind quiet). Others, are peaceful yet hold me in suspense as I await the unknown...that which is hidden from me yet clear to my all knowing God. (And did I mention He is all powerful too. I much prefer having Him in my corner rather than against me!)

Should I be surprised? The bible is full of occasions when God instructed someone to, "Hold that thought." Sarah and Abraham held onto the promise of a nation. Daniel was steadfast in a lion's den. Joseph served time in jail until God's appointed time. Noah and his family lived on a floating zoo as days ticked past. Ruth hung out with her mother-in-law. Zacchaeus killed time climbing a tree. (And these are only the examples that spring to mind! There are a multitude of others.) Further, what does each of these have in common? An amazing, God glorifying, breath taking outcome! I suppose the saying, "Good things come to those whom wait," is appropriate here.

I can rest in the knowledge that in each and every circumstance I can only (and be sure to) do my part. I am responsible for me...not others. I am to walk in a manner that is pleasing to God without attempting to control and/or manipulate a situation. Most importantly I am to pray and keep the faith.

Not sure what I am going on about here? Are you a bit confused? There is a work in progress which I am itching to share...but it is not quite time yet. (To be honest, it has collided with another "work in progress" and totally took me off guard!) Both are challenging...one far more than the other (on my end) and each involves individuals other than just me. So multiple lives are being touch by these events. Awesome! Anyway, once all is said and done I will be able to show you the beautiful picture God is painting (in my tiny section of His vast canvas). The seemingly random paint blots eventually come together and make sense.

For now, I will conclude with this:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (Jeremiah 29:11-14 ESV)

Your Will be Done

2012-01-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

There are times, Lord, when I do not know how to pray. When I cannot even keep a thought in my head or form a sentence to articulate the deepest depths of my heart.

But You see the confusion, sadness, thankfulness, resentment, frustration, hopefulness, hopelessness, joy...

I thought about life tonight. The waves crashed in front of me as I looked into the darkness...my arms resting on the rail of the balcony. A tear nearly formed in my eye and would have fallen to the ground 16 floors below. Of course, it did not help matters that I had just watched the ending of two sad movies: "The Notebook" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".

This life is but a vapor (James 4:14). It "appears for a little time and then vanishes away". And what do I (one out of billions of people) expect to accomplish? I go about my day to day but to what end? Eternity. Yes, forever with Jesus. But what about what I leave behind? Should there even be a "but"? It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man (Psalm 118:8). Who cares about what the human race thinks, right?

Tonight I care. Yet, who will even remember me when I am gone from this earth? Maybe a few hundred people...for a little while. Just briefly, then time marches onward.

Ick, pride! Is that you? Be gone!

My pajama pants are warm as I pull them from the dryer. I can still hear the surf against the shore through the screen door. Thank You, God, for Your creation!

In the afternoon sun I had watched a fish jump from beneath the water's surface. It flicked it's body seemingly with glee. Joyfully it launched itself as dolphins meandered parallel to the coastline.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20 ESV)

Your Will be Done

Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 ESV)

Sovereign God, creator of all things, my trust is in You, Lord. You are my refuge and strength. You keep my going out and coming in (Psalm 121:8). I do not lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). When you open a door, I run through it. When you close a door, I try to accept it gracefully. If something is unknown, I must be still and wait on You, my King. Your Holy Spirit relays to You the desires of my heart. I am Your humble servant, stand before Your throne of grace, and anticipate (with unbending faith) Your instruction.

Doxology

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:00

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 ESV)

The Spirit Intercedes for the Saints

2011-12-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah (Psalm 77:9 ESV)

He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach. (Proverbs 19:26 ESV)

But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? (Romans 3:7 ESV)

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. (Ecclesiastes 5:1 ESV)

For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:20 ESV)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14 ESV)

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26 ESV)

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27 ESV)

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:15 ESV)

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV)

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. (Ecclesiastes 7:21, 22 ESV)

Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:10 ESV)

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words. (Proverbs 23:9 ESV)

Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15 ESV)

He is a Double-Minded Man, Unstable in All His Ways

2011-12-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

Lord! Do not allow me to doubt your will! Forbid me to be "like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind"!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 ESV)

I am Your servant, Lord. Why do I dwell on what could be instead of finding peace in what the days ahead will hold. Guide my tongue as it puts together the words of my heart. Please grant me wisdom and guard me against the desires of my flesh. My mind plots my own way but You direct my steps (Proverbs 16:9). I am confident Your will, will be done (Proverbs 19:21).

The "what ifs" cyclone about in my brain. The only thing that matters is whether or not I am walking according to Your will in a manner that is glorifying You! The details remain safely in Your loving hands. Softly you carry the burden of orchestration and sorting through all that must happen for the designated purpose. You precisely weave the tapestry which looks like a confusing mess to me until it is complete and flipped over. The image takes my breath away. It never ceases to astonish me! Oh amazing grace!

Whatever Does Not Proceed From Faith is Sin

The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22, 23 ESV)

Please, Lord, keep me faithful!

Merry Christmas: God Bless Us, Every One

2011-12-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

Jesus...

May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!(Psalm 72:17. ESV.)

Merry Christmas to all. And to all, a good night!

Lest I Forget

2011-12-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

You, Lord, are sovereign. I must keep preaching this to myself lest I forget. When addressing Roman 9, John Piper states,

"When I entered seminary I believed in the freedom of my will, in the sense that it was ultimately self-determining. I had not learned this from the Bible; I absorbed it from the independent, self-sufficient, self-esteeming, self-exalting air that you and I breathe every day of our lives in America. The sovereignty of God meant that he can do anything with me that I give him permission to do. With this frame of mind I entered a class on Philippians with Daniel Fuller and class on the doctrine of salvation with James Morgan....

Emotions run high when you feel your man-centered world crumbling around you. I met Dr. Morgan in the hall one day. After a few minutes of heated argument about the freedom of my will, I held a pen in front of his face and dropped it to the floor. Then I said, with not as much respect as a student ought to have, "I [!] dropped it." Somehow that was supposed to prove that my choice to drop the pen was not governed by anything but my sovereign self.

But thanks be to God’s mercy and patience, at the end of the semester I wrote in my blue book for the final exam, "Romans 9 is like a tiger going about devouring free-willers like me." That was the end of my love affair with human autonomy and the ultimate self-determination of my will. My worldview simply could not stand against the scriptures, especially Romans 9. And it was the beginning of a lifelong passion to see and savor the supremacy of God in absolutely everything."

I put my trust in You, Lord (Psalm 31)...to work all things for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). Whether I understand the way matters are orchestrated or not. Before long, a picture begins to emerge and then circumstances/state of affairs start to make sense and come together. Thank You, Lord, for Your sovereignty and grace!

From childhood up, my mind had been full of objections against the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, in choosing whom he would to eternal life, and rejecting whom he pleased; leaving them eternally to perish, and be everlastingly tormented in hell. It used to appear like a horrible doctrine to me. But I remember the time very well, when I seemed to be convinced, and fully satisfied, as to this sovereignty of God, and his justice in thus eternally disposing of [dealing with] men, according to his sovereign pleasure. But never could give an account, how, or by what means, I was, thus convinced, not in the least imagining at the time, nor a long time after, that there was any extraordinary influence of God’s Spirit in it but only that now I saw further, and my reason apprehended the justice and reasonableness of it. However, my mind rested in it; and it put an end to all those cavils and objections. And there has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this; so that I scarce ever have found so much as the rising of an objection against it, in the most absolute sense, in God’s shewing mercy to whom he will show mercy, and hardening whom he will. God’s absolute sovereignty and justice, with respect to salvation and damnation, is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes, at least it is so at times. The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright, and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God. (Jonathan Edwards, Selections [New York: Hill and Wang, 1962], pp. 58-59).

For Unto Us a Child is Born

2011-12-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6. ESV.)

O Holy Night by Carrie Underwood

What Child is This by Andrea Bocelli & Mary J. Blige

Do You Hear What I Hear? by Carrie Underwood

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Carrie Underwood

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Five

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

During my stay in Singapore I was able to finish reading a few books. One of my favorites was How Stella Got Her Grove Back by Terry McMillan. The first time I saw Stella was at my boyfriend’s apartment before I left for Singapore. His roommate (a female) had been reading it. There it sat and curiosity got the best of me as I picked it up and scanned the synopsis. When I came across it again in Singapore among the shared literature, I had to indulge.

I met Stella before grace (Ephesians 2:8). Her independence and adventurous nature struck a chord with me. I admired how at a moment’s notice she packed a suitcase and went off to Jamaica all by herself. I felt I could relate to her on some levels though our lives were nothing alike. (First of all, and most importantly, she is fiction and I am not.) There were twenty years between us and she was a successful business woman with a son and a home. I, on the other hand, was in a relationship (though lived alone), had no children, no house, and was neither prosperous nor an executive. Yes, I had an excellent job, paying me decent money, and was traveling but it was a short term gig. It would all come to an end in just shy of a year.

After a few months in Singapore I called my boyfriend to find he was moving on and in essence, dumping me. (An old flame, “the one that got away” from him was interested in rekindling their relationship…he had talked about her often, I knew it was only a matter of time.) One of my colleagues came over and I sat on my twin-sized bed, in my silk (pant and long sleeve shirt) pajamas, verbalizing my disappointment. As my heart spewed forth its sadness there was a knock at the front door. Two thoughtful associates informed me there was a party and would I come? I declined. My only desire (at that particular moment) was to remain in my room licking my wounds for a bit. Stella would not tolerate this! She would dress in a smokin’ hot swimsuit and head for the beach…and who needs a boyfriend anyway? The next opportunity I got I was going to be like Stella! I was going somewhere alluring, wonderful, and chalk full of beautiful men! (Not to say Singapore was not magnificent. It truly was.)

The ocean always has a way of rejuvenating me. Its proud waves may reach the coast yet go no further (Job 38:8-11). But, I did not frolic by the seashore while in Singapore. Though this city-state is similar to Hawaii in that it is made up of islands, the recreational shorelines are not prominent. Only twice did I go to the water’s edge in the five months I lived there. Once, a local was showing me how I could look across the water and see the shore of Malaysia. The second, was while I was attending a social gathering at Sentosa…an amusement park type place with animals, fireworks display laser light show, and picnic areas.

My mundane was time served at work. Though I loved my job---I really did---it was physically demanding and draining. My breaks were spent taking a catnap, walking around the venue, or immersed in Jamaica with Stella. I was her travel companion whether she liked it or not. (Being she went public with her trip, I assume she did not care.) I have never been to Jamaica! I would jump at the chance to go there only I have yet to find a means. So, for now, Stella’s groove-seeking-recount will have to suffice.

I sat at my table wearing my yellow, company issue sweat suit (because it is so stinking cold in the venue), head down, eyes fixed upon the pages, imagining myself digging my toes into hot sand while the crash of the powerful waves fills my ears. I put sun block balm on my lips as they are kissed passionately by the sun. The breeze coming of the water lifts my hair from about my neck and gently plays with it. I rub sunscreen like a fragrant lotion to cover my exposed, olive skin. I can taste the salty sea air on my tongue. Ah, Jamaica! You make me thankful to my Maker for all of creation (Romans 1:20).

The smell of coconut tanning oil fills my nostrils. I should get a drink…something cold, crisp, maybe even fruity with a cute umbrella poking out the top. My cabana chair creeks as I shift in it. The tide is threatening to come close and try to jump in my lap. I move my fabric bag to a safer location…wouldn’t want my wallet and book to get wet. I exhale audibly as I close my eyes and lay my head back. Mmm, Jamaica! You seem so lovely. I open my eyes to find words gazing back at me. I close the book. Ten more minutes then it is back to work.

Faith Hope Love: Chapter Five

Perspective: God is Still on the Throne

2011-12-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Four

2011-12-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever sat on a balcony, at night, in Hawaii? When the wind is calm and the air is warm like a soothing bath? If you hold your breath, there is no sound except for perhaps the ocean waves crashing to the shore (if you are close enough to the beach). Everything is tranquil and comforting. That was my experience in the temples in Singapore. Silence, warmth, stillness.

Some of these holy places were in busy areas. Other, smaller ones, were in secluded spots. One in particular was on a hiking trail surrounded by lush, green plants and trees. Everything seemed motionless. As I approached, candles burned like tiny, dancing lights. But there was not a person in sight. Sometimes there was a stone Buddha standing by, watching over the moderately sized places of worship. A pleasant expression, unyielding, upon his face. Though not familiar with his teachings I believe them to be about harmony, maybe enlightenment, and to respect all forms of life big and small. Possibly reincarnation is mixed in there too. (In 2009, my younger children and I briefly studied the history of Buddhism…along with Islam and Hinduism.)

I stepped closer to the establishment although not wishing to stay long just incase I was not properly dressed…I did not want to offend anyone. I picked up what looked to be a stick or piece of incense. I held it to a flame until it caught fire, smoldered, and offered up thin plums of scented smoke. I did not meditate while there. My God is not Buddha. He is Jehovah and He has a Son, Jesus (John 3:16). When I wish to commune with Him, I simply go before His throne of grace.

Growing up in the church I learned about all the most popular events in the bible. You know, the ones that have been turned into children’s stories. I sat in the pew every week we attended, half listening and partly daydreaming, following along in the hymnal as we sang---(which I have to say I much prefer hymns to the contemporary songs that are used in services now days).

The best part is, God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). So though I was not paying attention 100% of the time I was still receiving the message which was going straight to my heart.

Because of the nature of my job in Singapore and the popularity of the company for which I worked, it was not unusual for me (and my associates) to get stopped while in public for pictures and the occasional autograph…though I could not really understand why. Would they not look back on the photo years from when it was taken and ask, “Who is that and why did I want a picture with her?” I am just me…a young adult exploring the intoxicating city-state of Singapore…no different from an individual who backpacks through various countries and stays at hostels.

This particular day (while I was wandering and discovering houses of prayer) was no different. A small group of people approached me at the beginning of the footpath. “Excuse me,” said a soft, gentle voice. I turned to find an agreeable young lady. “May we get a picture?” she continued. “Oh course,” I answered as I stood amongst them and smiled. They humbly thanked me as their eyes sparkled and faces showed with excitement. They went about their way and I started my trek.

In Alaska, one can begin at the foot of a great, thick glacier (accented with deep blues) and make their way along a winding path to the glacier head. The calving ice announces its separation and departure with a roaring proclamation we called, “White Thunder”. Free from the mass, the ice crashes into the body of water peacefully at rest below. The walkway coils through dense, scenic forest. Butterflies flit about among the foliage as the breeze makes her presence known. She whirls about delicately, careful not to step on anyone’s toes. Her hair whips about her face and there is tranquility.

In Singapore, the finish line of the course is not only marked by a breathtaking view at the top of a steep, inclined plain, (perhaps it was the highest hill in Singapore) it is also marked by what was like a flag pole encircled by medium sized, black, glossy rocks with rounded edges (which stood on end) that massaged the soles of the feet as one stepped upon them.

“In quietness and in trust shall be your strength,” (Isaiah 30:15) flows through my thoughts. There is nothing like the cool patience of serenity as sunshine warms the depths of the heart and soul as it touches the skin. I was not only a traveler on this unfamiliar island, I am also a pilgrim in this world searching for peace and love.

7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7. ESV.)

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Four

Guest Post: Intentional Living

2011-12-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am so stoked to introduce you to today's guest blogger! We actually went to high school and youth group together for a period of time and now Jason has an "Intentional Christian Living" blog over at wordpress...which I highly recommend! Thank you so much, Jason, for agreeing to guest post here! Best wishes to you and your family treasured friend.

Some (More) Thoughts on Living Intentionally
by Jason Ashcraft

OK, so I made a resolution at the beginning of 2011 that I would live more intentionally this year. I even programmed my welcome greeting on my cell phone to read “Live Intentionally” when I turn it on. It’s been harder than I expected it would be. It was a great thought, I think, and a great jumping off point, but I found that putting intentional living into daily practice has been a chore. Sometimes I even forget that I am trying to live intentionally. Life moves fast, and there are many things vying for my attention. So not only do I have to remember to live intentionally, but have to remember to be intentional about remembering to be intentional. Confused yet?

Some might ask, before I get too deep here, what I mean by “living intentionally.” It’s a valid question. And I don’t know that I have a definitive answer for you. I think that the answer will be different for each person. I think that to arrive at your own answer, you need to ask yourself some honest questions about what is really important to you verses where you spend your time and energy.

You know, it’s really easy to simply exist…to let life just determine where you will end up. It’s easy to come home at the end of a long day and plop down in front of the TV. It’s easy to do nothing! But is that truly living? Or does God have something more for you? I think God does have something more for me, and for you. God didn’t create us to be robots, but he also didn’t create us to just be lumps of clay.

When I think of a life that exudes intentionality, I think of someone who lives with a purpose, who understands the responsibilities and call they have been charged with, someone who values the lives of those around them. I think that when you see a person who lives an intentional lifestyle, you take notice. They have a spark and appear to be present in the moment with whomever or whatever they are involved with. They exhibit a true joy because, I believe, they are not just letting life happen. We shouldn’t either. We only get one life, and it’s pretty short.

An example that comes to mind for me is life with my kids, my 2 girls, ages 5 & 3. I know am to spend time with them, build them up, teach them, help them grow, right? The Bible is full of instructions on how we are to live, and it addresses children specifically…Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”… Psalm 127:3, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.”… Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Jesus makes time for the children (and for us!), so we should too.

But often I find myself being in the same room or the same house as them, but not actually being with them. I am working on my own projects or on the computer or whatever. Being “with” them means more than simply being in the same place as them. It means interacting, showing them that they are important to me, that I value them, and that I “want” to spend time with them. And that takes effort…effort that I sometimes don’t feel that I have after a long, stressful day at work. But I really do have it, if I’m being honest. I seem to have enough energy left to do “my own thing.” But is that what I know God has called me to do when he entrusted these 2 precious lives to me? They are only kids once, and I have very few years to be with them at this precious stage where they are changing so much and learning so much and becoming who they will become. And I definitely want to be a part of that. I want to influence these lives. See, while it is so much about them, it’s not only about them…it’s also about me.

That’s one area of my life where I need to live intentionally, investing my time and energy intentionally in my children (and my wife). That’s where I have to check myself throughout the day and week, asking if I am truly living this intentional lifestyle I have decided to live. I have to look honestly, and make adjustments to get back on track. Again, it takes work. But doesn’t anything worth having and worth doing a quality job on take work and concentrated effort? If you think about the performance level we see from professional athletes or musicians, you know that it doesn’t just happen. They are intentional about their craft. We’ll see it in our results too, if we invest our time intentionally.

What is it in your life that you need to be more intentional about? Is it relationships…with spouse, kids, family, friends? Is it in your prayer life, or walk with God? I think this is where you can take the ball and run with it, seeking how you can best live intentionally in the various areas of your life. I’ve talked about my kids (I guess I really am a parent now!) because they are important to me. We aren’t going to get any more minutes added to our days, so I think the decision is ours to make regarding what activities or habits or other “time suck” it is that we need to give up in order to maximize the time we do have. I don’t think when I am on my deathbed (or when you are…) that I will be saying that I wish I had spent more time surfing the web or watching TV or playing Angry Birds, instead of investing in these few precious years I was given on earth.

Good luck to you as you endeavor to live a life worth living and spending wisely the time you have been given.

(Photo Information.)

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Three

2011-11-30T21:19:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to California, I lived in a part of the Los Angeles (L.A.) area. Litter tumbled like weeds along streets and sidewalks, freeways were grossly congested, and there was always this brown haze that lingered about in the atmosphere. Some days I could barely make out the downtown L.A. skyline. After moving to Northern California, the L.A. funk became more noticeable to me each time I made the trip back and drove through. It hovered like a gray cloud forbidding the sun to break through…a toxic mist that covered the city like a blanket.

The air quality in Singapore was monitored daily due to fires in Indonesia. On good days, locals went about their business unaffected. On bad days, each sported a surgical mask. Being I am originally from “the sunshine state” of Florida, I was not used to checking the PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) or API (Air Pollution Index) each day. The highest PSI reading of record in Singapore was, around the time I was there, in September of 1997. It was listed as “very unhealthy”. Fortunately for me, the managers of the company for which I worked made sure I was well informed and looked out for my health and well being. Otherwise I would have been clueless.

There are very few smells sweeter to me than after it rains…the fresh, wet, clean, vibrant fragrance of the earth as it rises into the heavens. Gazing out the window as the drops fell to the ground, saturating everything within its reach, stirred up a desire within me to race outside and take in a deep breath. This was the case the day I visited with a colleague and it began to pour. (Her unit was located just across the cobblestone courtyard from mine.) The moment the downpour stopped I promptly made my way down the stairs to the damp grounds below. I let the after-rain-smell fill my nostrils but to my ghastly surprise, the scent was not as I imagined it to be at all! Rather it reeked of wet dog! My face contorted and I quickly covered my nose as I raced home. In my opinion, the climate in Singapore was tropical and similar to that of Florida…hot, humid, without truly formed diverse seasons, and with adequate rainfall. After my “wet dog” experience, though, I hesitated to bask in the aromas following precipitation. Admittedly, it was not always that of a damp mutt. Other days the odor was quite pleasant, alluring, and relaxing like springtime in a lush field full of wild flowers and white butterflies.

Ten hours a day, six days a week were spent at work. My time off was used exploring the sights and Singapore lifestyle…whether it was shopping on Orchard Road, at Takashimaya, ordering (or watching others request) stingray, satay, or various different Singaporean cuisine at a hawker stall, indulging in Mongolian Barbeque, hiking, grabbing a bite to eat at Boat Quay or Clarke Quay along the Singapore River, or sitting down with a “Singapore Sling” at the Raffles Hotel.

One afternoon at work, and I honestly cannot remember how this came about, my colleagues approached me, said they were making a coffee run during our one hour break, and did I want to come? We could make it there and back in sixty minutes?! I was not quite convinced but always up for an adventure, I went. The second our break began we bolted from the venue, ran across the street, through an open piece of land, and went down the stairs to a train platform I did not even know existed. My heart pounded as each minute mattered. Tick tock, tick tock, we passed station after station. I had no idea where we were…downtown maybe? I made sure to stay close as the cars stopped and the doors opened. On the heels of the person in front of me we winded our way to the store front. There was a line! Would be have time? I was not even a coffee fan! Why was I here, again? I asked what was good. “Try the frozen drink,” I was told. “One blended beverage with whip cream, please.”

The group waited for everyone to make it back out of the shop then we were off and running again! This time the path reversed. I must not lose the way and get lost! Tick tock, tick tock. It was going to be close! And no one could afford to be late! There was no margin for error. How many times had they made this venture? We inhaled our drinks as we blew through one terminal after the next. On what colored line were we? Was there a map at which I could look? Screeching halt, doors, onward ho! Two minutes left! Hustle! We crossed the finish line without a moment to spare. Phew, back to work.

Whenever in a foreign place, I find comfort in familiar things---whether it is food, activities, or people. Because I am American (and grew up across the street from a lovely Japanese woman who used to cook wonderful things for me to eat), I am drawn, like a moth to a flame, to stuff that reminds me of the United States (and Japanese cooking). One evening when I was in Switzerland, my peers and I ran into another posse of Yanks. While these individuals were complete strangers, it felt as though they were long lost pals. We were ecstatic to see them and they were likewise overjoyed.

When a second set of workers from the States came to Singapore to do advertising for our organization, there was a feeling of familiarity at first sight. We visited them at their location, went out to dinner, took a walk, and just chatted it up. However, once I realized one of them was flirting with me I cut the rest of my time with them short. Flattered, yet not interested.

Faith Hope Love: Chapter Three

Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray

2011-11-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE this song!!! And just downloaded it. :)

"Remind Me Who I Am" by Jason Gray

When I lose my way,
And I forget my name
Remind me who I am
In the mirror all I see
Is who don't wanna be
Remind me who I am

In the loneliest places
When I can't remember what grace is

Tell me, once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
To You

When my heart is like a stone,
And I'm running far from home
Remind me who I am
When I can't receive Your love
Afraid I'll never be enough
Remind me who I am

If I'm Your beloved can you help me believe it

Tell me, once again
Who I am to you, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget
Who I am to you, that I belong to You
To You

I'm the one You love, I'm the one You love
That will be enough, I'm the one You love

Tell me, once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You

Tell me, once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You

To You

Walking with Lisa

2011-11-27T16:49:00.000-08:00

(This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events; to real people, living or dead; or to real locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used factiously, and their resemblance, if any, to real life counterparts is entirely coincidental.

The character "Lisa" is inspired by the character by the same name in Susanna Kaysen's 1993 publication GIRL, INTERRUPTED.)

Chapter One

When one first meets Lisa, it is not long before or unusual to think, "Something doesn't seem right." After spending more time with her (whether it is weeks or months), this sentiment becomes more along the lines of self blame... "Lisa and I just can't get along. What is my problem?" This appears to be the average progression of relationships with Lisa unless one has done much study in behavior. It is not difficult to figure out there is an issue. The challenge comes in pin pointing it. Lisa wraps herself so tightly in lies and deception, a person has to make their way through a large, complex web to make sense of things...before becoming prey to the spider. Some don't make it that far though. I'm sure you will recall Daisy and the other Lisa. Both fell victim to this Lisa's taunting and harsh words. Daisy ended up committing suicide and the other Lisa became a drug addict.

Fortunately for me, I have strength in Christ. Even still, the gauntlet is thrown and I must be wise. In order to "walk" with Lisa, there are certain rules I must follow. #1. Never let Lisa get into my head. Though it is questionable as to whether or not Lisa honestly is a sociopath, that was her diagnosis and she truly does fit the profile (though her actions might just be an elaborate act). #2. Never let my guard down. She cannot be trusted. #3. Do not be foolish. #4. (And of the utmost importance) Never take my eyes off the cross of Jesus. #5. Self assess on a regular basis without going overboard. Imperfections and weaknesses are okay no matter what Lisa says. #6. Never take Lisa's word for it. ALWAYS get a second opinion. #7. Be in the word of God (bible) daily. #8. Know with certainty who I am and never doubt it. #9. Do not limit socializing to only Lisa or spend too much time with her. She has no boundaries (/nothing is off limits to her) and is very convincing the alternate universe she has created in her mind is the truth. #10. I am not responsible for her, I am only accountable for myself. And, I cannot change her.

Though these guidelines are all well and good on paper, applying them regularly (especially when Lisa is on a tirade) can prove to be easier said than done. Never the less, one will drown, while relating to her, without them. He or she will slowly become so immersed in her "aggressive narcissism", with traits such as

Glibness/superficial charm
Grandiose sense of self-worth
Pathological lying
Cunning/manipulative
Lack of remorse or guilt
Shallow affect (genuine emotion is short-lived and egocentric)
Callousness; lack of empathy
Failure to accept responsibility for own actions

, most will not even know what happened until it is too late. The only consistent indication that something is amiss is a nagging feeling of "Ick" after engaging with her. Patterns are also a key item to watch with her.

I do not know why she says and does the things she does. Perhaps there is no reason at all...and do I really want to spend years trying to figure it out? Besides, Lisa does not seem to want anyone to understand her.

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Two

2011-11-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, I have had a love affair with traveling for quite a while...since 1994 when I made my first trip out of the states and visited the breathtaking countries of France, Switzerland, and Italy. As a junior in high school the experience was indescribable...The way the food danced, leapt, and (even at times) practically melted in my mouth (thus beginning my appreciation of prosciutto and olive oil), bread warm and soft inside yet so crispy it crackles on the outside, the architecture, the art (especially at the Louvre Museum and Sistine Chapel), the locations (like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, and the Roman Colosseum), the romantic vibe (like along the River Seine in Paris), the hustle and bustle in Paris, the people, the freedom!!! Yes, the independence! Apparently it was noticeable...the change in my attitude after I returned from Europe. I had been bitten by the bug. I was in love! And there was no cure (or anything else for that matter) for it. My only choice was to feed it, cultivate it, tenderly nurture it, and give in to its every whim. Ah love!

I spent the next three years trying to find a means to travel. My sights were set on a job in Japan (for which I applied many times to no avail) but little did I know God (I personally do not believe in fate, coincidence, luck, karma, or magic for that matter) had an alternate plan for me...and it included Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia! Okay, God, you win! I will gladly give up my grand ideas of Japan...for now.

Visiting a country is like opening a book on the subject and hopping into its pages. (I remember studying world geography in second grade (I believe it was) and imagining I could do just that. I walked my fingers across the text we were going over (as though my digits were a tiny version of me) and I "swam" through the pictures...participating in whatever was taking place in each. The two destinations in which we dabbled that stick out in my mind are Vancouver, Canada and Ethiopia.) In real life, I wanted to drink up every ounce of information possible and experience the culture and way of life. I would wander, either alone or with others, to various areas of the city-state to listen to the sounds, breath in the scents, touch what was before me, gaze upon the sights, and (if I was brave enough) taste the delicacies synonymous with that district.

One such quarter was the ethnically authentic Little India. A disorienting whirl wind (in the form of a cab ride) whisked me away and dropped me, dazed and confused, smack dab in another “land”. As I stood reeling with culture shock my eyes and nose were assaulted! This was NOTHING like the other territories of Singapore! Now, I am not going to go into detail about the geography or demographics of Little India. A person can check out that information (along with photos) on the internet or at the local library. As my feelings toward Little India create a chaotic circus in my mind I scarcely know where to begin regarding my experiences that evening!

During this excursion for Diwali (or Deepavali the "festival of lights"), I was not alone, and thankfully so! Had I been I would have stepped right back into the taxi (completely overwhelmed) and said, “Never mind. Take me home.” There were five of us and the guys walked behind the gals so they could “keep an eye on things”. I felt out of place, like a fish out of water if you will.

The first time I ever went scuba diving was with a professional diver who led me and some friends around the ocean bottom for a set period of time (30-60 minutes). As we submerged with oxygen tanks on our backs and regulator mouth piece firmly in place a nearly overpowering sense of claustrophobia crept over my body as though I was in a sinking car in a river and trying to hold on to every breath as if it could be my last. The water lay heavy on top of me…deceivingly inviting. Any wrong move or miscalculated measurement (of remaining air supply) could be life threatening. It was a lot to process…the new environment, the potential dangers, the complete change in everything! These were my feelings in Little India as well. My world had been turned upside down and I was not quite sure what to make of it or how to maneuver through it.

I walked with hesitated step. The sun had gone down before we arrived casting looming, menacing shadows across what might otherwise be cheerful in the day time. Residents stared as if I was a three headed hydra. My dark hair and deep brown eyes blended in with those of everyone else however my olive skin paled in comparison to the rich, chocolate shade of theirs. (Now, my friend who has beautiful blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes with creamy white skin probably stuck out a bit more than I did and our buddy with his radiant African American features mostly likely fit in better than myself.)

Debris littered the sidewalks and streets and men sat gathered, blotting the landscape. They stopped their conversations to watch as we passed. Store windows were filled with merchandise familiar to the culture. We window shopped and stepped in and out of store after boutique touching fabric and admiring the vibrant colors, tassels, and dangling, glittering accents on various outfits. Each concession was nearly whimsical as incense poor out, filled our nostrils, and beckoned us to come in and stay a while. Maybe we would like to purchase something?

The women were stunning in their dresses, sandals, and golden jewelry…the gentle curve of their faces; sun kissed glow to their soft looking skin; contour of nose; perfect size, shape, and spacing of their eyes made them gorgeous---yet the way they kept their bodies covered from neck to ankles struck me as humble, classy, and enchanting.

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Two

Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter One

2011-11-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13. ESV.)

I did not travel to escape. I was not looking for a way to lose myself or adapt. I was not in search of peace, enlightenment, entertainment, or understanding. I simply went for gain. On a “business trip”, if you will. Get paid to travel? Could I ask for anything more?

I had gone off on my own once before this. When I was in high school I ventured to Europe with a group of peers and some chaperones. This time I was an adult…a very young adult…but one just the same. I left my apartment and roommate, new furniture, old job (which I loved), car, possessions, family and friends to experience more of the world…twenty four hours by plane and seemingly a lifetime away. I only took what could fit in my luggage and left the rest behind.

My parents saw me to the airport gate. There were tearful goodbyes (on my mother’s part) and numerous hugs. I surveyed the group with which I was traveling. They were my family for the next five to nine months. I was never one to stay put, really…a pilgrim since the day I could spread my wings and fly. And exploring by myself came easy…I just closed my eyes and jumped…right into the deep end of it all. I knew I could swim.

The engines of the plane hummed steadily as strangers became acquainted, sharing names and hometowns. A handshake and a smile sealed the deal as if to say, “I know you now.” A few had worked together before but no one looked familiar to me. We were a crew of vagabonds, nomads that had jumped a means of transportation and were off to disappear into the sunset. The clouds were an ocean below us. And, our former lives an alternate universe. Money was no object.

It was piping hot in Singapore. The sun warmed my face like the soft stroke of a hand against my cheek. Stand in an enclosed place long enough and it turned into a sauna. I grew up in Florida so the tropical climate was comforting. I cannot say the same for everyone else. There were some complaints about the portable “potties” on our work site. We did not have running water facilities. A person entered the restroom sticky from humidity and exited it, after a quick tinkle, looking as though he or she had just climbed out of a swimming pool. It was hot, dang hot! But I did not mind so much. It reminded me of home.

The city was modern, spotless, and buzzing with action. The streets teamed with people going here, there, and everywhere. Not a single wrapper or wad of gum defaced the grounds. There was not the slightest hint of graffiti of any sort threatening buildings, public benches, or other structures. Orchard Road was done up like a huge Christmas present. Was I in New York gazing at the Macy’s store windows decorated to the hilt? No, this place was too clean. I was in Singapore and the department stores were sparkling, festive, and ready to welcome the holidays. Giant displays looked as though they had come straight out of a storybook. The shoemaker had gone to bed and elves went to work decking the halls overnight.

Without parental supervision we were left to our own devices…a small hoard of young adults released into a foreign environment where the consequence for an infraction was caning. I did not dare test the boundaries or push the envelope. With a crime rate of four percent I was free to walk about the city-state alone without a single individual bothering me. No one approached me or harassed me. It was peaceful and stress free. Taxis swarmed the roads like bees around a hive. There were so many of them…blue though, as opposed to the yellow ones that overrun the avenues of New York City. English being the “business language” made it simple for me to maneuver around. Women had a voice so I could be heard by each and every man whether taxi driver, merchant, or doorman. I was empowered to get what I wanted or go where I chose, when I desired it. There was a hint of a European undertone. (Not surprising since it was under British rule in 1824 (before it became independent in 1963) and its legal system has its roots in English common law.)

My condominium was brand new, completely furnished, and even offered a maid service. With a work schedule of six days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and two roommates, it was nice to have the help. The square footage was lovely but had plenty of surfaces where dust and dirt could collect. The front door was of heavy wood and opened into a hallway which swept visitors into the dining and living areas. The floors were a cool tile against the tired, sore soles of my feet. And white grout! Who likes to keep light grout from turning gray? The outside kitchen branched off of the entry way…to which the door remained closed at all times. Bars were the only thing on the windows, no glass or screens to hinder insects from investigating our housing and food…plenty of room for a cat to fit through but too tight for a human. The pint-sized, front load, stacked washer and dryer set sat waiting for action in a compact walk-in laundry room (which resembled a pantry) where dirty clothes could easily collect and take a person hostage…never to be seen or heard from again.

The main room windows opened into a large, cobble stone courtyard two floors below. The sounds of fellow employees danced through the air, filtered passed the drapes, and bounced off the vaulted ceiling. A fan purred as it slowly rotated and pushed sultry air about the rooms. The sunken bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen caused me to stumble each time I missed the miniscule step while coming and departing. My modest sleeping quarters were nothing short of a single bed and wardrobe which matched the shiny wood floors…perfect for one person.

The night life flourished at a chain of picturesque European bistros across the street from the complex where I lived. This is where I spent most evenings as I did not have a family waiting for me at “home” to prepare and serve them dinner. Each restaurant front lead into a dimly lit, nook of a bar or café area then opened through the back into a vast dinning patio of themed spaces packed with tables and chairs. This setup applied to each establishment along the stretch of the boulevard except the one on the end referred to as “The Wine Cellar”. The atmosphere fitted its name and was reminiscent of the tasting room of a winery. There it was not unusual to see lovely ladies sporting a glass of wine and escorted by gentlemen with cigar in hand or mouth.

Faith Hope Love01

Faith. Hope. Love: Introduction

2011-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

As I was walking through the wilderness of this world, I came to a place where there was a cave. I laid down in that place to sleep, and as I slept I had a dream in which I saw a man dressed in rags standing in a certain place and facing away from his own house. He had a Book in his hand and a great burden on his back. As I looked, I saw him open the Book and read out of it, and as he read he wept and trembled. Unable to contain himself any longer, he broke out with a sorrowful cry, saying, “What shall I do?” (Bunyan, John. THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS IN MODERN ENGLISH. Bridge-Logos Publishers, Florida. 1998. pg. 3.)

The hot, desert sun cascaded over my shoulders and down my arms as I stood in awe, gazing at the indescribable wonder before me. A river did this? This beautiful carving, like the sculpture of an artist, was in fact the work of God. And I was thankful for the opportunity to see it in person. I had driven across the United States and back again. But this is not where I began. This was a result of grace. First I had to walk through "the wilderness of this world".

Like John Bunyan's character, Christian, I was conflicted but not consciously searching for the "Celestial City". I did not realize I needed a Savior...until my burden became so insanely heavy and then I pleaded for One. But who would come? A fireman? A policeman? Some bigger-than-life comic book character? Who had already come? Was it possible to ever have peace?

A fire burned within me yet I was seemingly of two minds. That is where I started...not in quietness, trust, or strength (Isaiah 30:15). But in loud, deafening foolishness which made me scream out (in an attempt to shout over it) in repetitive petition. But this was the norm for me in this season... high stress. Was there any other state of being?

I know the Book mentioned in Bunyan's writing. I had even tried, uselessly, to apply its written laws and way of living to my mundane days. But it was all for not...legalism would not bring me harmony, serenity, tranquility, justice. I would toil in vain. The motions without heart or purpose were worthless...pointless. I could not save myself from that which weighed me down. It was not until grace the Book became my life.

So what did I do? I went along my course as it was designed. Each stepping stone lovingly placed before me. But I was blind to this initially. Everything was all about me. I was self-centered, self-absorbed, self-serving, and seemingly self-sufficient. Thankfully and fortunately for me though, God knows my heart despite my words and actions. For thirty years my hours were filled with worldliness and God was limited to Sunday mornings. Then, slowly most moments became about Him and I “squeezed in” everything else (if I had time). This did not happen over night. It was a progression.

How did I get to this point? How did I get beyond myself?

The Grand Canyon, though massive, was deceiving in appearance. The Colorado River appeared so small and innocent on the canyon floor. My feet felt as though they were in an oven as the sun beat down on my dark shoes. The air was crisp and fresh, like a spring morning while the dew is still on the ground and the birds are chirping cheerfully as if to welcome the new day.

Sin, like the Colorado River may not look like much (from a distance) but over time it can create a gorge between us and God (which makes me think of the “great chasm” mentioned in Luke 16:26).

Faith. Hope. Love: Introduction Chapter

A Couple More New Features

2011-11-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

In addition to regular posts, I am also going to start two new series:

1. "Faith. Hope. Love" - a nonfiction about...well... faith, hope, love, (1 Corinthians 13:13) and travel (to Singapore, Australia, and Taiwan. This will also be available in PDF e-book format.)

2. "Walking with Lisa" - a fiction piece about being salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) in the world (not of the world). (The character "Lisa" being inspired by the one of the same name in Susanna Kaysen's 1993 publication GIRL, INTERRUPTED.)

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16. ESV.)

(Photo Information.)

They Are Robbed of Sleep Unless They Have Made Someone Stumble

2011-11-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” ― C.G. Jung

I believe I started reading the 1993 publication GIRL, INTERRUPTED by Susanna Kaysen when I was a child advocate. It is the memoir of a teenage girl who spent some time in a mental hospital and introduces readers to various personality disorders. One of the main characters is Lisa who is diagnosed as a sociopath. If memory serves, she is quite the challenge (behaviorally) for fellow patients and staff members alike.

In order to try and comprehend the disposition of Lisa, I looked up the Hare Psychopathy Checklist which includes:

Factor 1:
Personality "Aggressive narcissism"

Glibness/superficial charm
Grandiose sense of self-worth
Pathological lying
Cunning/manipulative
Lack of remorse or guilt
Shallow affect (genuine emotion is short-lived and egocentric)
Callousness; lack of empathy
Failure to accept responsibility for own actions

Factor 2:
Case history "Socially deviant lifestyle".

Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom
Parasitic lifestyle
Poor behavioral control
Lack of realistic long-term goals
Impulsivity
Irresponsibility
Juvenile delinquency
Early behavior problems
Revocation of conditional release

Traits not correlated with either factor

Promiscuous sexual behavior
Many short-term marital relationships
Criminal versatility
Acquired behavioural sociopathy/sociological conditioning (Item 21: a newly identified trait i.e. a person relying on sociological strategies and tricks to deceive).

Lisa's conduct would be very frustrating for me. And I would have to have serious strength through Christ to endure any sort of relationship with her. But what does that tell me about me? Would I be wise not to engage with Lisa or judgmental? further, if Lisa had a spouse, what would his responsibilities be under God's law? Would it be to help Lisa or protect their children? --- (In the book it is mentioned (at some point) that Lisa is seen with her son.)

Turn Away From It And Pass On

There is nothing listed in God's word (in the 10 commandments or anywhere else) that gives clear instruction for dealing with Lisa. What does one do with someone who habitually lies, deceives, keeps secrets, steals, and uses others as tools for selfish gain instead of maintaining relationships? Would Proverbs 4:14-17 be the best course of action?

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence. (Proverbs 4:14-17. ESV.)

Home School Days at Monterey Bay Aquarium

2011-11-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

This year we got to attend "Home School Days" at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and were blessed with free admission tickets! We visited the jellies, sea horses, penguins, open sea, and kelp forest exhibits (among others). Up until recently, a great white shark was in captivity but had to be released (before we got to see it) because of "behavioral changes". I assume that means it was causing a ruckus and had to leave the facility. :)

The Kelp Forest is my favorite exhibit.

Jelly

Sea Dragon

Sea Horses

Let Them Experienced the Love of Jesus

2011-11-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

Today I heard a story that touched my heart in such a way I almost began weeping where I sat as I listened. It was written by Michael Card, is quoted by John
Piper in his book SUFFERING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD, and goes like this:

One day a Masai Warrior named Joseph was walking along an African road when he met someone who shared the gospel of Jesus with him....The power of the Spirit began transforming his life; he was filled with such excitement and joy that the first thing he wanted to do was return to his own village and share that same Good News with the members of his local tribe.

Joseph began going from door-to-door, telling everyone he met about the Cross of Jesus and the salvation it offered, expecting to see their faces light up the way his had. To his amazement the villagers not only didn't care, they became violent. The men of the village seized him and held him to the ground while the women beat him with strands of barbed wire. He was dragged from the village and left to die alone in the bush.

Joseph somehow managed to crawl to a water hole, and there, after days of passing in and out of consciousness, found the strength to get up. He wondered about the hostile reception he had received from people he had known all his life. He decided he must have left something out or told the story of Jesus incorrectly. After rehearsing the message he had first heard, he decided to go back and share his faith once more.

Joseph limped into the circle of huts and began to proclaim Jesus. "He died for you, so that you might find forgiveness and come to know the living God" he pleaded. Again he was grabbed by the men of the village and held while the women beat him reopening wounds that had just begun to heal. Once more they dragged him unconscious from the village and left him to die....

Again, days later, Joseph awoke in the wilderness, bruised, scarred--and determined to go back.

He returned to the small village and this time, they attacked him before he had a chance to open his mouth. As they flogged him for the third and probably the last time, he again spoke to them of Jesus Christ, the Lord. Before he passed out, the last thing he saw was that the women who were beating him began to weep.

That village is now a Christian village.

Has that ever happened to you... having become so overjoyed and absolutely ecstatic you wanted to share the amazing feeling of overwhelming joy and love with all of those around you, especially those you care about the most only to be met with harsh cruelty? Have you ever wondered, "What went wrong? I must have misspoke because surely if I had relayed the message correctly they would feel the indescribable ecstasy that comes from hearing this news!"

My heart cries out on behalf of those who hear the gospel of Jesus but cannot feel their heart meditate with sheer delight. That fills me with such grief the tears sting my eyes. Oh Lord, please let them experienced the love of Jesus!

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26. ESV.)

Photo Gallery: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2011-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

For those who enjoy travel photos, the Cabo San Lucas, Mexico page is now up and ready to be viewed. The regular link is located in the left sidebar under the "Resource Menu" heading. Thanks for visiting.

Photo Gallery: Melbourne Australia

2011-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Melbourne, Australia photo page is up and ready for viewing. The regular link for it is located on the left sidebar under "Resource Menu". Thanks for visiting. :)

Steps Are Established by the Lord

2011-11-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

“He that can have patience can have what he will.” ― Benjamin Franklin

“Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired. You quit when the gorilla is tired.” ― Robert Strauss

“Give me but a firm spot on which to stand, and I shall move the earth.” ― Archimedes, The Works of Archimedes

A New Direction

As I have mentioned before, I used to train in dance (with a emphasis on ballet), gymnastics/acrobatics, and volleyball (for fun). But that was years ago...and though I still will teach (when opportunities arise) I was considering going into the field of ballroom dancing.

Watching the dancers float around the floor, twisting, twirling, stretching...in sync with their lines so exact and beautiful made me desire to start competing again. The preconceived notion ballroom would be easier (than say, ballet) played about in my mind. But when would I have the time to train? That all changed, though, the day I met martial arts.

A second interest entered my world on an afternoon of running errands. Who knew the mundane would lead to this? But changing fields means starting over! Back to square one. Do I have the patience and determination to do so? I am a parent, and I am busy taking care of kiddos, helping my spouse, maintaining our home, etc. ...it is a full time thing!

Besides, with dance I started at age four and I'm told it takes 10,000 hours to be good at something (according to author Malcolm Gladwell). Can I put my hours of dance and gymnastic toward those for martial arts? There are some similarities in areas like balance, flexibility, improv, etc. There is technique involved.

Not by Might Shall a Man Prevail

7 The path of the righteous is level;
you make level the way of the righteous. (Isaiah 26:7. ESV.)

1 Samuel 2:9: "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail. (ESV)

Psalm 37:23: The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way; (ESV)

The Lord establishes my steps whether they are significant or not. I feel each and every one, however big or small, takes me toward what the Lord has predestined for me (since before the foundation of the earth was set).

24 A man’s steps are from the LORD;
how then can man understand his way? (Proverbs 20:24. ESV.)

Forbes: Cars with the Highest Theft Rates

2011-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago Forbes released a story with a list of cars with the highest theft rates.

Not surprisingly (to me), #2 on the list is the Ford Shelby. Oh, and my vehicle did not make the cut. :)

(Photo by the Ford Motor Company, USA)

Marriage: Dominate, Submit, or Contribute Nothing

2011-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Are you curious what I am up to with that title?

Wayne Grudem wrote a fantastic book, SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, in which he addresses "why God created two sexes and whether or not they can be equal, yet have different roles". He discusses a lot of information of which I am only going to touch upon. I highly recommend reading the chapter in its entirety.

Grasping Marriage and the Rolls of Husband and Wife

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28. ESV.)

Romans 13:14: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (ESV.)

Galatians 3:14: so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (ESV.)

Galatians 5:6: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. (ESV.)

1 Corinthians 12:13: For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 11:11: Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; (ESV)

To clarify this, Grudem states,

Paul wants to ensure that men will not adopt some of the attitudes of the surrounding culture, or even some of the attitude of first-century Judaism, and think that they have greater importance than women or are of superior value before God. Nor should women think themselves inferior or less important in the church....

This equality is an amazing and wonderful element of the Christian faith and sets Christianity apart from almost all religions and societies and cultures. The true dignity of godly manhood and womanhood can be fully realized only in obedience to God's redeeming wisdom as found in Scripture." (1994. Zondervan. Pgs. 458 & 459.)

Dominate, Submit, or Contribute Nothing

3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3. ESV.)

Grudem explains this saying,

Just as God the Father has authority over the Son, though the two are equal in deity, so in a marriage, the husband has authority over the wife, though they are equal in personhood....

If tyranny by the husband and usurpation of authority by the wife are errors of aggressiveness, there are two other errors, errors of passivity or laziness. For a husband, the other extreme from being a domineering "tyrant" is to be entirely passive and to fail to take initiative in the family - ...

The corresponding error on the part of the wife, opposite of attempting to domineer or usurp authority over her husband, is becoming entirely passive, contributing nothing to the decision-making process of the family, and being unwilling to speak words of correction to her husband, even though he is doing wrong. Submission to authority does not mean being entirely passive and agreeing with everything that the person in authority says or suggests - it is certainly not that way when we are submissive to the authority of an employer or of government officials (we can certainly differ with our government and still be subject to it),... A wife can certainly be subject to the authority of her husband and still participate fully in the decision-making process of the family. (Pgs. 459 & 467)

Wrapping It All Up

In conclusion, Grudem writes,

Husbands, therefore, should aim for loving, considerate, thoughtful leadership in their families. Wives should aim for active, intelligent, joyful submission to their husbands' authority. (Pg. 467)

So, the husband and wife in their marriage are similar to the offense and defense of a college football team (Go Gators!). Though they have different rolls and responsibilities (plays), they are equally important to the success of the team (marriage).

(Oh, and when I think of "submission" to my husband, I do not see it as losing myself but rather giving (in love and wisdom) to him.)

With My Whole Heart I Seek You

2011-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you thought to yourself, "Wait a minute, what am I doing?"

I had one of those yesterday morning. I grabbed a dollar, some change, and my purse as I headed for the front door. Thankfully it was not blustery like the day before (with Gale force winds) but the cool air was sharp and biting as I made my way to my vehicle with my sweater clutched close. The key turned smoothly and the engine came to life immediately despite it waking from a cold rest overnight. I was on my way to the local McDonalds. (We do not have a Target or Walmart within a 30 mile radius but the popular fast food joint is perched on the corner of the main road beckoning travelers to come inside.)

As I paused at a stop sign I suddenly thought to myself, "What am I doing?" Though completely coherent the entire time all the way up to this point, I had not rationally thought through my coffee run. Was I really going to spend my last dollar days before pay day on a $1.00 coffee at the drive through window? Yep. And I proceeded. (It is NOT like I feel I NEED coffee in the a.m. but rather, I just like it...a warm beverage that smells so lovely. Mmmm. And I was not a coffee fan until 1996, in Singapore, when I was invited to go on a mad dash coffee run with fellow cast members across the city state with only moments before our next show...but that is a story for another time.) ;)

Take Every Thought Captive

So, I could not help but wonder, how much of my life am I spending on automatic pilot? Auto-pilot can be useful, like when multi-tasking (put one on auto and focus on the other) but it also has some significant cons.

When I was studying dance we did the same barré warm ups every class in Ballet. Pliés, tondus, degages, ronde de jambes, frappés, grand battments, etc. I knew it by heart and it was not long before I started executing each exercise with little thought. My teacher, being a wonderful instructor, noticed and kindly encouraged me to put more effort back into it.

...take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5. ESV.)

Every thought.

New Feature: Art Gallery

2011-11-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

As a new feature to this blog I am going to add a "photo gallery" to the left sidebar (up near the top, under where it says "Resource Menu"). In it there will be pictures of all the major cities/city-states in which I have lived or visited. They will include:

San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Orlando, FL
New York City, New York
Washington, D.C.
Singapore
Taipei, Taiwan
Paris, France
Rome, Italy
Sydney, Australia
Cairns, Australia
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

So far I have the San Francisco page up and will add the others as I find and scan my pictures. :)

May You be Strengthened, Tim Tebow

2011-10-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

"Learn to listen to Me even while you are listening to other people....Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others." - Sarah Young, JESUS CALLING

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, (1 Corinthians 6:19. ESV.)

I'm not sure I would quite qualify as a Tim Tebow fan. I am, however a HUGE fan of God, His Son, and the FL Gators. GO GATORS! So, I suppose Tebow sort of falls in there somewhere, too. ;)

I am certain he has been flooded with encouragement from his true fans regarding negative press lately and I image the support of the body of Christ is refreshing right about now. That is the band wagon on which I am about to jump...as a fellow member of "the body".

Tim,

I am positive you know God is still on His throne and He does ALL THINGS for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.

You have always appeared to be a strong man of faith and I thank you for being such a wonderful roll model for those who look up to you. It is such a breath of fresh air to see an individual in your position glorifying God, behaving in a manner than is pleasing to Him, and being an example of all the bible teaches for young boys as they train in Way they should go. I am grateful to God for you, His servant.

Please do not allow unkind words to weigh heavily on your heart but rather serve as helpful criticism by which to learn and rise above. I am thankful you have a loving family to surround you (and offer you strength in Christ) and that you do not find refuge in man but rather trust in the Lord. Please do not grow weary and lose heart.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:9-12. ESV.)

Christmas is Coming!

2011-10-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday has its own beverage! I did not grow up drinking eggnog. Infact, I never even tried it until I met my husband who loves the stuff, and for good reason! It may be the end of October but Christmas is coming and the eggnog is now available! Yay!

Your Tongue Plots Destruction Like a Sharp Razor

2011-10-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Albert Einstein

I am NOT a fan of the whole "perception is reality" bit. One who suffers from schizophrenia sees things that are not there and hears voices that otherwise do not exist. They feel those things are real but "feelings" are not facts and "facts" are verifiable reality.

“Perception is the lie that we convince ourselves exists” ― Melissa Bradley

“ The question is not what you look at, but what you see. ” ― Henry David Thoreau

So, if what each person "perceives" can be considered "reality", then what defines truth? ...That which can be proven by evidence? Scripture has quite a bit to say regarding the matter:

12 Of a truth, God will not do wickedly,
and the Almighty will not pervert justice. (Job 34:12. ESV.)

9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue. (Psalm 5:9. ESV.)

Psalm 52:2: Your tongue plots destruction,
like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.

Psalm 12:2: Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. (Proverbs 12:17. ESV.)

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (Proverbs 12:19. ESV.)

Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? (John 8:46. ESV.)

6 [Love] does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6. ESV.)

Today's JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young devotional message says,

"Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life. People will say and do harmful things to you, things you don't deserve....Don't be concerned about setting the record straight. Instead of obsessing about other people's opinions of you, keep your focus on Me." (2004. Nashville, TN. Pg.315.)

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:5. ESV.)

Lean on Me

2011-10-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

"Lean On Me" by DC Talk is once again two of my absolute favorites rolled into one! Both have quite a bit of sentimental value to me as they were popular during my youth group years (which was one of the best times in my life). I actually listened to the "Free at Last" cassette tape so much I nearly broke it... And, now I play the songs for my kiddos. :)

His Invisible Attributes in the Things That Have Been Made

2011-10-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was created in God's image and I love Him (and His Son) with all my heart, soul, mind, and body. There is nothing in this world that can change that...nothing that can pluck me from His hand (John 10:29).

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ― Albert Einstein

I was blessed with certain talents (and/or "spiritual gifts") but one I love I do not possess is the art of drawing and painting. Oh to be like Bob Ross on the PBS show "The Joy of Painting" and transform various strokes and dabs of color into amazing landscapes...lush forests, towering mountains, reflecting pools of water!

How amazing would it be to stand in an empty room with only my imagination and a canvas and be able to capture the breeze as if it was brushing the hair from neck...or the sun as though it was softly kissing my skin.

I want to sketch "The Road Not Taken" and depict the cold, depths of the vast, powerful ocean. I desire to be able to portray the Skagway, Alaska wind that took my very breath away, tugged at my clothes, and forbade me to leave its presence. ...Strawberries so sweet and juicy that stain my lips with their bold, red richness. ...Sunflowers in Florence, Italy as tall as I am all swaying together in joyful harmony as though members of a gospel choir.

Can you see them? I wish I could show you.

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20. ESV.)

VBS 2012 "Praise"

2011-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the 2012 Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, "Praise"! I hope a church near us will be using it! I LOVE this song!

Do All to the Glory of God

2011-10-22T11:50:00.001-07:00

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” ― Maya Angelou

Did I mention I am "Tweeting the Bible in a Year" over at Twitter? I think I did but I'll say it again...just incase it was missed the first time (or two).

I passed the six month mark roughly 19 days ago and I am determined to make it into the homeward stretch --- the fourth and final quarter (starting at about day 274). It can be a little challenging at times but I love doing PR for God --- not that He needs it or anything. I simply do it because I want to and I adore it.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31. ESV.)

So, if you have not already, please come follow along with me tweet by tweet, verse by verse.

The Obedience of Faith: Live as You Are Called

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. (1 Corinthians 7:17. ESV.)

Romans 12:3: For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

When I roll "measure of faith" around in my mind, I compare it to "talent" in a sense. Each of us has a certain amount of talent (in something). We just do. I cannot control at what I am good or how well I accomplish it...like dance, volleyball, gymnastics. My younger kiddos do well in swimming. Some individuals are very athletic while others might be more academic or social. Sure, one can train but natural ability still plays a key roll. (I highly doubt I could ever pole vault. I do not even dare to try it.)

I imagine faith to be similar on some levels. Of course I can study the dickens out of my bible but without "the grace given to me" I am still not quite going to be able to wrap my head around it...(like me and algebra...or geometry. All those postulates and theorems just made my head hurt instead of making sense.)

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7. ESV.)

The Mom Song

2011-10-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hey thanks Go Fish Guys! :)

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord: Part Three

2011-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today I came across two of my favorites rolled onto one: 1. A hymn and 2. "The Go Fish Guys"! Together, they make up "The Solid Rock"! Hope you enjoy!

I'm A Soldier In The Army of the Lord by The Go Fish Guys

2011-10-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

We (the kiddos and I) love this song but boy does it get stuck in a person's head...we end up singing it for hours after listening to it.

More Fantastic Music

The Go Fish Guys
Seeds Family Ministry

Shield of Faith

2011-10-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

“Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.” ― Thomas Jefferson

“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.” ― Sophocles, Antigone

Instead of building a monument (of myself or anyone else), I am digging a well. Perhaps one day some (if even only one) will come to it and drink... or maybe none will. Either way, it will exist.

Bear One Another's Burdens

6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. (Galatians 6:1-5. ESV.)

In an effort for me to understand this better I have to break it down a bit.

James 5:19-20: My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Romans 15:1: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Timothy 2:25: correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

1 Thessalonians 5:14: And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

1 John 4:21: And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Romans 14:12: So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

That Burden is Not My Own!

Don't I have enough on my plate without carrying something that belongs to someone else? Besides, doesn't God give each of us only what we can handle---with His grace? Other individuals have some pretty heavy "baggage"! I do not think I am strong enough.

EXACTLY! Because "I" am not but Christ (within me) is! And, if another is drowning would I not throw a life preserver?

1 Corinthians 3:7: So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

I can be the concierge or bellman and help with the heavy lifting but ultimately it is God who does it all and the only one in whom anyone can boast. And yes, I do believe God would like for me to assist others just as I, at times, REALLY NEED aid myself!

"When you need comfort, I love to enfold you in My arms. I enable you not only to feel comforted but also to be a channel through whom I comfort others. Thus, you are doubly blessed, because a living channel absorbs some of whatever flows through it." (Young, Sarah. JESUS CALLING. 2004. Thomas Nelson. Nashville, TN. Pg. 303)

(Photo Information.)

By Whom We Cry, "Abba! Father!"

2011-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

A life apart from God is like a child continuously returning to an abusive home instead of thriving in a healthy household with a nurturing adoptive parent.

But that is just my opinion. (And I hope it does not come across the wrong way.)

What does this world offer that attempts to draw me away from Him. Temptation? False hope? Empty promises? I do not even know anymore, really. When I loose my focus from the cross what has distracted me? Stress? Anxiety? An inconsistency with my daily bible reading?

Why?

Children's Bible Study

In an effort to beef up the kiddos' bible study time each morning, I have added a music video first thing---(our favorites are "Not Ashamed of the Gospel" (posted below) and The Go Fish Guys)---and a bible movie last (whether it is from www.lifekids.tv or classics like "Superbook" and "Flying House"). In between is reading scripture (or features from their bibles like points of interest, "Life in Bible Times" blurbs, "People in Bible Times" information), memory verses, and a prayer.

Thankfully they each have love for God and this time we share together is enjoyable (instead of like pulling teeth).

I'm Not Ashamed Worship Song-August from Kids Quest on Vimeo.

He Who Hates Reproof is Stupid

2011-10-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

My relationships help me relate to the world and God. Most of them are agnostic, a handful are followers of Christ (and a couple other beliefs i.e. Buddhism, Islam, etc.), and very few are atheist.

His Adopted Daughter

As a child advocate, one thing I firmly believed then (and now) is children just want to be loved. That is their bottom line. But with love comes discipline, instruction, sometimes "tough love", etc. All things a child might not desire especially coming from a guardian or adoptive, foster, and/or stepparent.

5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:5. ESV.)

Ephesians 1:11: In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, (ESV)

Romans 8:30: And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV)

Romans 8:15: For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (ESV)

Luke 12:32: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Only Your Love, Please

With God as my adoptive Heavenly Father, how easy is it for me to only acknowledge His love and rebel, ignore, or resent His teachings and correction? Does not a parent (any parent...biological or not) love unconditionally? In many (if not most) cases, Yes! (There is a passion to provide "a better life" than the adult himself/herself had.) However, there are also (house) rules set; morals, integrity, gratefulness, etc. instilled; and repercussions for wrong doing.

17"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
   therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. (Job 5:17. ESV.)

Psalm 94:12: Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD,
   and whom you teach out of your law, (ESV)

James 1:12: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)

Hebrews 12:5: And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
   nor be weary when reproved by him." (ESV)

Revelation 3:19: Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. (ESV)

Proverbs 12:1: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
   but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 13:24: Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
   but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (ESV)

Proverbs 29:19: By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
   for though he understands, he will not respond. (ESV)

The Best Free Antivirus Software

2011-10-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a techno-junkie like me or just a dabbler, having antivirus protection software on your desktop or laptop is generally a good idea...(in my opinion, a MUST). But, if you are limited on funds (as am I), FREE antivirus might be the only (or #1 option). But what (if any) free antivirus software works similar to the expensive ones? PC Mag has a list that might interest you of "The Best Free Antivirus Software". Happy reading!

An Evil Man Seeks Only Rebellion

2011-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet
   than a house full of feasting with strife....
3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
   and the LORD tests hearts.
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
   and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;
   he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
   and the glory of children is their fathers....
9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love,
   but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding
   than a hundred blows into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion,
   and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs
   rather than a fool in his folly.
13 If anyone returns evil for good,
   evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
   so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom
   when he has no sense?
17 A friend loves at all times,
   and a brother is born for adversity....
19 Whoever loves transgression loves strife;
   he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good,
   and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
21 He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
   and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
   to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
   but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father
   and bitterness to her who bore him....
27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
   and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
   when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. (Proverbs 17:1, 3-6, 9-17, 19-25, 27-28. ESV.)

Words of Encouragement

2011-10-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

My Sheep Hear My Voice and I Know Them

26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (John 10:26-30. ESV.)

The Desires of the Flesh are Against the Spirit

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.... 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16, 17, & 24. ESV.)

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5. ESV.)

Every Eye Will See

2011-09-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I never knew I loved strawberries so much until I was an adult. While growing up my mother would say, "Just try them, they're good!" But I would barely graze the stubbly surface of one with my tongue before tossing it aside and saying, "No thanks!" I did not even scratch the exterior and experience the sweet goodness underneath. Now days I fancy them so much I give myself stomach aches devouring as many of them as humanly possible. Have you ever had that happen?

God's grace is something else I did not realize I desired so much until I learned of Him in Sunday school and then His grace itself as I began spending time in His Word (each day) as an adult. And like the berries, no one could have convinced me other than what I thought. I was closed off until God opened me (my heart, my mind) to Him. I could not swim out of the shallow end and dive into the refreshing, rejuvenating, replenishing, renewing depths without being properly equipped --- like a scuba diver --- (with eyes to see, ears to hear, and the Holy Spirit).

So, the next time you offer someone a tantalizing bite and he or she refuses, do not lose heart. He/she was bought for a price, belongs to the King, and one day every knee shall bow and every voice profess His heavenly righteousness!

7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:7-8. ESV.)

(Photo Information.)

Wordless...Friday

2011-09-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Killer Blog Post Ideas (with Survey)

2011-09-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was reading another blog (which I found on Google+) and the writer had some interesting blog post ideas. One of which was, "Release your own free ebooks". I (obviously) have NEVER thought of that! But what would I write about engaging enough to warrant an ebook? And who would want to read it?! And how long is the average ebook? Are they the same as paperbacks? And, is there a template or program or does one just convert a word file into PDF format? I guess I need to research this further.

Some of the other "Killer Blog Post Ideas" were:

1. Write reviews (books, products, other blogs)
2. List favorite quotes.
3. Create "how to" posts
4. List and link to favorite blogs or websites
5. Release your own free ebooks
6. Make a huge list of something
7. Have guest posts
8. Conduct polls
9. Do a collaborative post (with other bloggers)
10. Compile a list of best niche related jokes.
11. Conduct a survey
12. Create a post of favorite images.
13. Compile a list of frequently asked questions.
14. Write some fiction.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

He Who Believes in the Son

2011-09-28T11:37:00.001-07:00

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him. (John 3:36)

Wie in die Seun glo, het die ewige lewe; wie egter aan die Seun ongehoorsaam is, sal die lewe nie sien nie, maar die straf van God bly op hom.”

فَالَّذِي يُؤْمِنُ بِالابْنِ يَملِكُ حَياةً أبَدِيَّةً، أمّا الَّذِي لا يُؤْمِنُ بِالابْنِ فَلَنْ يَرَى تِلْكَ الحَياةَ، وَلَنْ يُرْفَعَ عَنْهُ غَضَبُ اللهِ.»

Който повярва в Сина, има вечен живот, а който отхвърли Сина, никога няма да има този живот и Божият гняв ще тегне върху него.“

Kdo věří v Syna, má věčný život; kdo Synu nevěří, nespatří život, ale zůstává na něm Boží hněv.

Hvo som troer paa Sønnen, har et evigt Liv; men hvo som ikke troer Sønnen, skal ikke see Livet, men Guds Vrede bliver over ham.

Wer an den Sohn glaubt, der hat das ewige Leben. Wer aber dem Sohn nicht gehorcht, der wird kein Leben schauen; sondern Gottes Zorn lastet immerfort auf ihm.

El que cree en el Hijo tiene vida eterna. En cambio, el que lo rechaza nunca tendrá esa vida, sino que la ira de Dios permanece sobre él.

Sinhesten duenac Semea baithan, badu vicitze eternala: baina Semea obeditzen eztuenac, eztu ikussiren vicitzea, baina Iaincoaren hirá dago haren gainean.

آن که به پسر ایمان دارد، حیات جاویدان دارد؛ امّا آن که از پسر اطاعت نمی‌کند، حیات را نخواهد دید، بلکه خشم خدا بر او برقرار می‌ماند.»

Joka uskoo Poikaan, sillä on iankaikkinen elämä; mutta joka ei ole kuuliainen Pojalle, se ei ole elämää näkevä, vaan Jumalan viha pysyy hänen päällänsä."

Celui qui croit au Fils a la vie éternelle; celui qui ne croit pas au Fils ne verra point la vie, mais la colère de Dieu demeure sur lui.

ὁ πιστεύων εἰς τὸν υἱὸν ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον· ὁ δὲ ἀπειθῶν τῷ υἱῷ οὐκ ὄψεται ζωήν, ἀλλ’ ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ θεοῦ μένει ἐπ’ αὐτόν.

כל המאמין בבן יחיה לעולם, ואילו מי שאינו מאמין בבן לא יחיה חיי נצח, כי אם יקבל עונש נצחי מאלוהים!"
כל המאמין בבן יחיה לעולם, ואילו מי שאינו מאמין בבן לא יחיה חיי נצח, כי אם יקבל עונש נצחי מאלוהים!"

Svi koji se pouzdaju u Božjega Sina da ih spasi imaju vječni život, a oni koji ga ne slušaju neće nikada imati vječni život, već gnjev Božji ostaje na njima."

Aki hisz a Fiúban, az örökké él. De aki nem engedelmeskedik a Fiúnak, az nem kap örök életet, hanem Isten haragja alatt marad.”

Ա՛ն որ կը հաւատայ Որդիին՝ ունի յաւիտենական կեանքը. իսկ ա՛ն որ չ՚անսար Որդիին՝ պիտի չտեսնէ կեանքը, հապա Աստուծոյ բարկութիւնը կը մնայ անոր վրայ:

Barangsiapa percaya kepada Anak akan menerima hidup yang kekal, tetapi orang yang tidak taat kepada Anak tidak akan memiliki hidup itu. Murka Allah tetap ada pada orang itu."

Chi crede nel Figlio ha vita eterna; chi invece rifiuta di credere al Figlio non vedrà la vita, ma l'ira di Dio rimane su di lui».

　この方は神様の御子なのだ。　この方に救っていただけると信じ、何もかも任せきる者はだれでも、永遠のいのちを得る。　だが、この方を信じない者、従わない者は、絶対に天国を見ることはできない。　そればかりか、神様の怒りがその人の上にとどまるのだ。」サマリヤ人の女

아들을 믿는 자는 영생이 있고 아들을 순종치 아니하는 자는 영생을 보지 못하고 도리어 하나님의 진노가 그 위에 머물러 있느니라

Izay mino ny Zanaka manana fiainana mandrakizay; fa izay tsy mino ny Zanaka dia tsy hahita fiainana, fa ny fahatezeran'Andriamanitra no mitoetra eo aminy.

Ko ia e whakapono ana ki te Tama, he ora tonu tona: ko ia e kore e whakapono ki te Tama, e kore e kite i te ora; engari ka mau tonu te riri a te Atua ki a ia.

Die in den Zoon gelooft, die heeft het eeuwige leven; maar die den Zoon ongehoorzaam is, die zal het leven niet zien, maar de toorn Gods blijft op hem.

Den som tror på Guds, sønn har evig liv. Den som nekter å være lydig mot Sønnen, han mister det evige livet, og blir fortsatt under Guds dom."

Kto wierzy w Syna, ma życie wieczne, ale kto nie wierzy Synowi, nie ujrzy życia, lecz gniew Boży zostaje na nim.

Por isso quem crê no Filho tem a vida eterna; porém quem desobedece ao Filho nunca terá a vida eterna, mas sofrerá para sempre o castigo de Deus.

Pipish Churita crijca, huiñai causaita charinmi. Ashtahuanpish Churita mana crijca, huiñai causaitaca manataj charingachu, Diosca jatunta p'iñacungallami.

Cel ce crede în Fiul are viața veșnică, dar cel ce nu crede în Fiul nu va vedea viața, ci mânia lui Dumnezeu rămâne peste el.

Тот, кто верит в Сына, имеет вечную жизнь, тот же, кто не повинуется Сыну, никогда не увидит этой жизни, и гнев Божий будет на нём».

Kto verí v Syna, má večný život, ale kto Synovi neverí, neuzrie život a spočinie na ňom Boží hnev.

Kii Wiilka rumaystaa, wuxuu leeyahay nolosha weligeed ah, kii aan Wiilka rumaysanse, nolosha ma arki doono, laakiin cadhadii Ilaah ayaa ku taal isaga.

Kush beson në Birin ka jetë të përjetshme, kurse kush nuk i bindet Birit nuk do të shohë jetë, por zemërimi i Perëndisë qëndron mbi të''.

Ко верује у Сина, има вечни живот, а ко неће да се покори Сину, неће видети живот, него на њему остаје Божији гнев.

Den som tror på Sonen, han har evigt liv; men den som icke hörsammar Sonen, han skall icke få se livet, utan Guds vrede förbliver över honom.»

Anayemwamini Mwana anao uhai wa milele; asiyemwamini Mwana hatakuwa na uhai wa milele, bali ghadhabu ya Mungu hubaki juu yake.

คน_ที่_ไว้วางใจ_พระบุตร_นั้น_ก็_มี_ชีวิต_อยู่_กับ_พระเจ้า_ตลอด_ไป แต่_คน_ที่_ไม่_ยอม_เชื่อ_ฟัง_พระบุตร_นั้น_ก็_จะ_ไม่_พบ_กับ_ชีวิต_นั้น และ_ยัง_ต้อง_ตก_อยู่_ภาย_ใต้_การ_ลง_โทษ_ของ_พระเจ้า

Ang sumasampalataya sa Anak ay may buhay na walang hanggan; nguni't ang hindi tumatalima sa Anak ay hindi makakakita ng buhay, kundi ang poot ng Dios ay sumasa kaniya.

Той, хто вірує в Сина, має вічне життя, але не побачить вічного життя той, хто не слухатиметься Сина, і гнів Божий впаде на того».

چنانچہ جو اللہ کے فرزند پر ایمان لاتا ہے ابدی زندگی اُس کی ہے۔ لیکن جو فرزند کو رد کرے وہ اِس زندگی کو نہیں دیکھے گا بلکہ اللہ کا غضب اُس پر ٹھہرا رہے گا۔“

Ai tin Con thì được sống đời đời; còn ai không vâng phục Con thì sẽ chẳng có sự sống, trái lại cơn thịnh nộ của Thượng Đế hiện đang đè nặng trên người ấy."

信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不著永生，上帝的震怒常在他身上。」

Tapa a um mi peuhmah in nuntak tawntungna a nei hi; ahi hangin Tapa a nial peuhmah in nuntakna a mu kei ding hi; ahang in, Pasian thangpaihna ama tungah a om hi,” a ci hi.

How to Get 100 Comments on a Blog Post

2011-09-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

I came across a blog post on how to get 100 comments on a single publication and was intrigued. Would it really work? So, I decided to try it. The writer suggests leaving comments on other blogs and those bloggers will leave some comment love in return. Makes sense so I set a goal of 100! However, given my current daily schedule I was only able to visit, read (yes, I did read each of them), and comment on twenty-five...though I must mention they are FABULOUS and recommend each of them! They are as follows:

1. http://www.donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com
2. http://www.youthguy07.blogspot.com
3. http://www.Godblesskellyshome.blogspot.com
4. http://www.homeschoolmomsworld.com
5. http://www.newwifememoirs.com
6. http://www.spottedsmiles.com
7. http://www.whatbeautifulfeetyouhave.blogspot.com
8. http://www.coolestfamilyontheblock.com
9. http://www.bloggingbookshelf.com
10. http://www.learnchangegrow.wordpress.com
11. http://www.homeschool911.com
12. http://www.wonderwomanwannabe.com
13. http://www.mommyramblings.com
14. http://www.kristyblogs.com
15. http://www.mommybeewisdom.com
16. http://www.lonetater.blogspot.com
17. http://www.100routesacrossamerica.com
18. http://www.justapen.wordpress.com
19. http://www.traceepersiko.com
20. http://www.tsmith0095.wordpress.com
21. http://www.theworstpreacherswifeever.com
22. http://www.campfirecowboyministries.com
23. http://www.jasonbhuffman.wordpress.com
24. http://www.theadventurousfluteplayer.blogspot.com
25. http://www.fromrooftops.blogspot.com
(I also want to include http://www.scribblesfromemily.com/ because Emily is a faithful commenter on my blog. Thank you, Emily!)

This comment idea works in theory but I am skeptical since there was a time when I tried to comment on twenty blogs a day however received the rare one back...perhaps 1/4. Yet, my thought is this...what I really want is more readers even if they do not leave their input. I suppose we shall see how it all pans out. Thank you for reading! :)

15 Things You Might Not Know About Me

2011-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

For this post I thought I would keep things light and on the surface. Below are 15 things you might not know about me.

1. I like to sew but do not own a sewing machine. We do have an embroidery machine though.

2. I am asthmatic and cannot do high cardio things like aerobics, running long distances, swimming, etc. because I just do not get enough oxygen to do them.

3. The longest I’ve lived anywhere is 20 years. I have lived on both the east and west coast of the United States (U.S.) and on both sides of the Pacific Ocean (west coast of the U.S., Asia (9 months), and Australia (9 months).

4. I only have one blog (which is faith based) but I am also on Twitter, Google+, and Linked In. I love technology yet find it to be both a blessing and a curse.

5. I tried my hand at selling things on eBay but did not do very well.

6. My favorite ice cream flavor is Cold Stone’s Strawberry Shortcake concoction (the one with sweet cream).

7. I’ve been a Florida Gator’s fan for as long as I can remember however I have never been a student at the University of FL. I have attended a football game at the swamp, a couple of classes as a guest, and two graduation ceremonies there.

8. I have hiked to and walked along a glacier in Alaska and have experienced “white thunder” in Glacier Bay.

9. I LOVE reading and enjoy hanging out at the local bookstore with my kiddos. When all of them were younger we would each get books or magazines, a drink (coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or smoothie), and sit in the café for hours reading together.

10. I’m ¼ Italian (I think…or is it half?) and it is rumored my great grandfather or great, great, grandfather had two families...one in America and one in Italy.

11. Japanese food is my favorite! Mexican and Indian are my least favorite.

12. One day I would like to travel over seas again. For now I am hoping to drive across country a second time but using a different, more northern route. I prefer to “show” my children things (like the Grand Canyon) as apposed to just reading about them.

13. I used to study web design in San Francisco (about 10 years ago) and hated the commute at that time. Now I do not mind the drive and like spending time on the Golden Gate Bridge side of the city, visiting the beach, and Japan town.

14. I trained in dance (with a focus on ballet) and gymnastics while growing up and played beach volleyball with friends while in high school. Currently I have started learning martial arts and fancy it so far.

15. I love living a Christ centered life. I find it so fulfilling, peaceful (beyond understanding), and most times absolutely indescribable. I feel there is nothing quite like it in all the world.

Before the Throne of God Above

2011-09-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

I love these "Go Fish Guys" and cannot wait for them to come do a concert in our area so I can take the kiddos!

Before the Throne of God Above by The Go Fish Guys

Walk by the Spirit

2011-09-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25. ESV.)

The Word of God and Cross References

One of my favorite tools for comprehending scripture is/are cross references. I do not understand Greek or Hebrew so when I want to make sure I have something in its correct context I look up the corresponding passages (which I also usually post here as well when writing about God's word. I hear a concordance is also helpful however I have yet to give it a try.) I also like Grudem's book SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (as I have mentioned a bit before) to assist me in grasping God's character better (which in turn aids me in deciphering the bible).

Apart From God and Without Grace

10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
   and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
   giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
   it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
   and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11. ESV.)

The word of God never returns void, and thankfully so! All the years I spent in Sunday school and church services while growing up were not all for nothing. Though I was too naive to get a grip on what the pastor was teaching, God still took hold of my heart. Even in my "while I am here I am going to check out the guys" phase, God was at work... Yet trying to apply the word to my life was futile until grace from faith alone (Ephesians 2:8).

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26. ESV.)

As I have mentioned before, I did not receive my new heart until I was 30. Which, in a sense, I feel honored because Jesus did not begin his ministry until He was 30 years old. On the other hand I feel sad because I perceive valuable years were wasted...but then I remind myself God's timing is perfect...and so is His orchestration of my vapor of a life.

Why I Love Attending "Church"

(First of all, my definition of "church" is the people who make up "the body of Christ". Personally, I feel (in this season of my life) there is one "body", one "church" with many parts, numerous members, a lot of congregations. But if each is doctrinally sound I conclude they are part of "the body".) With that said, I enjoy "church":

1. To fellowship (talk about and hear about God and Christ).
2. To learn theology (bible study).
3. To get a break from worldly "stuff" (usually foolishness).

Some have stated they view attending church as an obligation or hypocritical act. For me, I do not feel whether or not an individual goes to a church determines or accurately reflects if he/she is 1. a follower of Christ, 2. a recipient of God's grace, 3. a holder of the inheritance of eternal life and the Kingdom. (Matthew 13:49, Ezekiel 34:17). Though I do believe "grace" causes an individual to want to fellowship, praise and worship, and study God's word with other members of "the body". Part of love is a desire to be with the object of that affection...a priority, an importance. You know?

Do Not Abandon the Love You Had at First

4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4. ESV.)

Lord, I never, ever want my love for You to turn cold or lukewarm. Please keep my eyes firmly focused on You!

Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves

2011-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, and Doves

16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16. ESV.)

It is my opinion persecution, bullying, and oppression on any level is ugly. But, sadly, it is a reality of this world. The wolf hunts its prey just as a tyrant tries to control and manipulate the meek and humble. The goal... domination.

When I think of the phrase, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves," I think of the love God gave us that we are to exhibit to others and yet without being foolish to those who practice evil like deceitfulness, oppression, adultery, stealing, rage, violence, etc. And without engaging in sin like, "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21envy, drunkenness, orgies" (Galatians 5:19-21), etc.

Entrusted with Little Lambs of God

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward. (Psalm 127:3. ESV.)

I am not, by any means, saying individuals without children are not "rewarded" by the Lord. I believe they are in other precious ways. What I am saying (just to be clear) is kiddos are a gift and need to be taken care of properly (Proverbs 22:6). I feel that includes educating them about wickedness and bullies.

Just recently, a woman in a nearby city was attacked by some teenagers. One of them had a knife and when the teen went to cut the strap of the woman's purse to take it, the woman was accidentally cut instead.

When I volunteered as a court appointed child advocate for six years I read case after case of innocent, loving children who were terribly harmed in unspeakable ways by people they thought they could trust... adults who were supposed to protect them.

Another incident about which I heard recently involved a seven year old child who was walking home from school when an adult grabbed him/her. The kiddo quickly executed a self defense move and left the adult incapacitated until the authorities showed up.

Shepherding the Flock

Spiritually, physically, emotionally, morally, and behaviorally God appoints parents to be the shepherds of their flock… even (of course) to the sheep that are sick or disabled and the ones that wander off, get lost, are defiant, disobedient, etc.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25. ESV.)

(Photo information.)

Put to Death What is Earthly in You

2011-09-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36. ESV.)

The Wrath of God

The line, "the wrath of God remains on him", makes me so thankful for God's amazing grace.

Romans 2:8: but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

John 5:24: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 6:40: For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

1 John 5:12: Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

John 20:31: but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Ephesians 5:6: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Colossians 3:5-7: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

His Voice was Like the Roar of Many Waters

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me,... 13and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest....His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters....and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:10-16. ESV.)

“His voice was like the roar of many waters.” I love the sound of the ocean as the waves crash upon the shore. Perhaps I find it so peaceful, relaxing, and calming because it is like His voice. And the flock knows the voice of their shepherd (John 10:5-6).

Endure to the End

Have you ever tried to talk a believer in Christ Jesus out of their faith or someone who does not believe into faith? It would be impossible, either way.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God. (Psalm 62:7. ESV.)

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:9-13. ESV.)

The one who endures to the end will be saved!

(Photo Information.)

On God Rests My Salvation

2011-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
   for my hope is from him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my salvation and my glory;
   my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8Trust in him at all times, O people;
   pour out your heart before him;
   God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:5-8. ESV)

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat

2011-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

46And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever."

Photo information.

Does God Pervert Justice?

2011-09-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

3 Does God pervert justice?
Or does the Almighty pervert the right? (Job 8:3. ESV.)

I might be biting off more than I can chew with this one but I could not help but wonder about how our God is a just God. Is it a cause and effect type thing, or what? Because, to tell ya the truth, there are days when I feel I am reaping the consequences for some of my actions before I was given God's grace.

12 Of a truth, God will not do wickedly,
   and the Almighty will not pervert justice. (Job 34:12. ESV.)

Genesis 18:25: Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"

Deuteronomy 32:4: "The Rock, his work is perfect,
   for all his ways are justice.
A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
   just and upright is he.

Daniel 9:14: Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice.

Justice as a Consequence? (Old Testament)

Adam and Eve were specifically told by God, himself (no less!), NOT to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. After doing so anyway, they were booted out of the Garden of Eden. They sinned and were punished. But this was before Jesus and the atonement, in a time when God's no tolerance policy was in full effect!

Justice in Response to Evil (New Testament)

6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,(2 Thessalonians 1:6. ESV.)

So, God's justice is in His vengeance? "Repaying" the evil that is dished out by those who do not believe in Him?

Exodus 23:22: "But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.

Joel 3:4: "What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily.

Joel 3:7: Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head.

Commit Your Work to the Lord

2011-09-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 John 2:6. ESV.)

Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3. ESV.)

I suppose I could be doing a great many things during the day (and night). But what is most worth the time and energy?

Time

Revelation 1:7 tells me,

7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

EVERY eye will see Him! For me (who places faith and trust in God and His word) this is exciting encouragement to focus on things that are pleasing to God. Further, Isaiah 51:6 says,

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
   and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
   the earth will wear out like a garment,
   and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
   and my righteousness will never be dismayed.

The things of this world will pass away, our earthly treasures and possessions will "wear out like a garment" (or be destroyed or stolen), but God, His Son, and His word are ours forever.

Effort

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3. ESV.)

With GRACE "His commandments are not burdensome".

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER you do, do ALL to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31. ESV. Emphasis added.)

Working in Relationships

Being in a relationship (of any sort) is work but one which is unequally yoked is exceptionally difficult (if not nearly impossible). Like two oxen, if you will, linked up to pull the plow. If one is using its strength and might and the other is barely moving, and acting more as a dead weight than anything else, the first is going to get tired, overwhelmed, perhaps even frustrated and resentful.

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14. ESV.)

Deuteronomy 7:3: You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons,

Ephesians 5:11: Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Acts 26:18: to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

So, what exactly is meant by all that? I look to Christ Jesus (of course) as an example. He went out and was friendly with (and taught) those who did not believe. (Though He was firm with the proud like the Pharisees.) But His closest, most intimate relationships were with His disciples, His mother, Mary Magdalene, etc. All of whom had a heart for God!

16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16. ESV.)

Let the Mountains Move

2011-09-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Every time I hear this song I give a concert in my car. As we speak I am sitting here finishing up some work and listening to K-Love via the internet to find out the name of the artist and song so I can post it here. I'll also try looking it up by its lyrics but to be honest I cannot remember many of them at all...except "Alleluia". Does that narrow it down at all? I think not. The singer is a female. Does that help at all?

Ah, ha! I found out the information! I looked up the top Christian songs on K-Love and there it was at number eight. (Which reminds me of listening to Casey Kasem's countdown each weekend.)

"Waiting Here for You" by Christy Nockels

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord: Part Two

2011-09-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Because I love Hymns so much, I am going to continue down this road and post a few each chance I get. Tonight I am going to begin with a FANTASTIC Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill version of "How Great Thou Art" guaranteed to get your heart meditating! Followed by a Steven Curtis Chapman rendition of "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty", Kristin Chenoweth with "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee", then "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and "Father, I Adore You". I hope you enjoy.

"How Great Thou Art" performed by Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill

"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" performed by Steven Curtis Chapman

"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" performed by Kristin Chenoweth

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God" performed by Steve Green

"Father, I Adore You" performed by The Maranatha Singers

As the Waters Cover the Sea

2011-09-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

At church this past weekend, the pastor gave a fantastic illustration of contrast to the life of a follower of Christ. He quoted lyrics to the Frank Sinatra song "My Way" which have been scrolling through my mind ever since as the weight and sadness of the words continue to wash over me like the pounding waves of the ocean. The song goes like this:

And now, the end is here
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and ev'ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way...

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!

Yes, it was my way.

My heart is heavy and burdened for anyone who feels as Sinatra did on this matter and I beseech God that they may have eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray they may be filled with the Holy Spirit to overflowing and turn away from all doubt and unbelief.

14 For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14. ESV.)

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord, All the Earth

2011-09-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Church is like home to me...and one of my favorite memories from "home" while growing up were the hymns we used to sing. Some of my absolute favorites are listed below. Do you recognize any of them?

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Father, I Adore You
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
How Great Thou Art
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
To God Be The Glory
God Is So Good
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Jesus, Name Above All Names
I Love You, Lord
O Come Let Us Adore Him
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Where You There?
In the Garden
He Lives
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Standing on the Promises
Morning Has Broken
This is My Father's World
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death
Search Me, O God
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
Jesus, Remember Me
Praise God from Whom All Blessings
Glory Be to the Father
This Is the Day
Let Us Break Bread Together
Bread of the World in Mercy Broken
Pass It On
Shine, Jesus, Shine
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought
Sweet Hour of Prayer
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
God Will Take Care of You
How Firm a Foundation
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
I Surrender All
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian
I Need Thee Every Hour
Open Our Eyes, Lord
Lord, Be Glorified
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
It Is Well with My Soul
He's Got the Whole World
The Solid Rock
Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine
O, How I Love Jesus
Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound
I Love to Tell the Story
The Old Rugged Cross
We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder

Walk Humbly with Your God

2011-09-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10. ESV.)

When I look back on my life days, months, years from now, will I feel as though I have squandered that time away or been a good steward? Will I look at each season and say (without doubt or hesitation), "I did my best. I gave it all I had." Will I see the strength of Christ where I am (was/have been) weak?

2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:2. ESV.)

While contemplating this, a dear friend of mine sent me an email (about something completely unrelated and without knowledge of my reflection) and included Micah 6:8 which says,

And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Do I do as God requires? I look to Proverbs 31 (among other verses) when it comes to being a wife. I preach the Proverb to myself that says to train up a child in the way he should go and he will never depart from it, when it comes to parenting. (But, I suspect my kiddos will take from their childhood (and the rearing they received) and keep what they liked and discard that which they do not favor when it comes to the upbringing of their own family.) Further, I know I am not favored by God because of anything I have done or continue to do but rather because of what Christ did for all of us! I firmly believe when I stand before God, He will not see me but rather His perfect, beloved Son.

I feel it is impossible for me, in my own capacity, to ever live up to God's standards. He has to mold me like a potter sculpts the clay. But I am capable (and want to) live in a manner pleasing to God because of grace, the Holy Spirit (it is very uncomfortable when the Holy Spirit is offended), and out of love. Someone gave me an excellent illustration last Sunday. He said we do not care for our children because we are afraid of consequences (i.e. breaking the law or having CWS (Child Welfare Services) take away our children). We do it out of a genuine love for them. I do what I do out of a real and passionate love for my King and His Son, Christ Jesus.

So, am I being a good steward of all God gives me?

The Lord Gave, and the Lord Has Taken Away

2011-09-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

(Job 1:21. ESV.)

This post is of a more personal nature… though, admittedly, a relationship with God (about which I often blog) is very intimate.

Today my loved ones and I are celebrating a special occasion. But, last year at this time our festivities bombed pretty significantly. There were hurt feelings and a lack of understanding as to why God would “rain on our parade” and ordain something upsetting enough to still be felt (in moderation) a year later.

This time, though, is a very different story. A month (or so) ago I took my crew (my entourage) and a few of their friends to a popular restaurant chain. Usually we go to the one south of us but this particular time (as God would have it) we went to an older location west of us. (This was not my choice but rather the logical one based on other errands that had to be run and the other family that was with us. I point this out to show God’s orchestration despite my personal plans.) There we ran into a very lovely lady who knew one of us by acquaintance (in passing). Come to find out she is the General Manager (GM) of her branch.

When it came time to make our party plans for this month, the GM blessed us abundantly! She took care of making all the arrangements and within my limited budget. (This is an area in which I have been asking God for His blessing. I am an instructor and web designer however, as I am sure with many other fields, jobs are minimal and my income nearly nonexistent.) So, (hopefully) as you can see, God had it all covered. He guided me in a direction that lead to here… and this was just a smaller item. He takes care of all the HUGE mountains in our life as well! I guarantee it and attest to it! God truly is good all the time, even when we just don’t get it.

20He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20. ESV.)

(Photo Information.)

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

2011-09-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35. ESV.)

As I continue learning about a mighty man of God, William Wilberforce, I cannot help but wonder if Wilberforce ever felt unequally yoked in his marriage. In the Hollywood version of his life, his wife, Barbara, is portrayed as a handsome match, perfect (of course) in every way. Infact, there is even a scene where they cannot find a single thing about which they disagree. Piper, however, gives a slightly different glimpse into their relationship and dynamics. He stated,

"Wilberforce and his wife Barbara were very different. 'While he was always cheerful, Barbara was often depressed and pessimistic. She finally worried herself into very bad health which lasted the rest of her life.'" (pg. 51.)

Peers spoke well of Wilberforce saying such things as,

"I never saw any other man who seemed to enjoy such a perpetual serenity and sunshine of spirit. In conversing with him, you feel assured that there is no guile in him; that If ever there was a good man and happy man on earth, he was one." (Robert Southy. Pg.58.)

And, "Though shattered in constitution and feeble in body he is as lively and animated as in the days of his youth." (Dorothy Wordsworth. Pg.58.)

Joseph John Gurney, a Quaker, stayed a week with Wilberforce and recalled later, 'As he walked about the house he was generally humming the tune of a hymn or Psalm as if he could not contain his pleasurable feelings of thankfulness and devotion.'"

I do not blame him. I LOVE hymns! I especially adore the ones we used to sing in church when I was young. I wish we sang more of them in worship service now days but sadly they have fallen by the wayside and have been replaced by more contemporary tunes.

When struggling with his own sin of fear, etc. he wrote the following in his "notebook of prayers",

"Lord, thou knowest that no strength, wisdom or contrivance of human power can signify, or relieve me. It is in thy power alone to deliver me. I fly to thee for succor and support, O Lord let it come speedily; give me full proof of thy Almighty power; I am in great troubles, insurmountable by me; but to thee slight and inconsiderable; look upon me O Lord with compassion and mercy, and restore me to rest, quietness, and comfort, in the world, or in another by removing me hence into a state of peace and happiness. Amen.

Further, Wilberforce "counseled his readers to",

"rise on the wings of contemplation, until the praises and censures of men die away upon the ear, and the still small voice of conscience is no longer drowned by the din of this nether world." (pg.68.)

Guess I'll have to read Wilberforce's A PRACTICAL VIEW OF CHRISTIANITY.

10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10. ESV.)

Steadfast Under Trial

2011-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8. ESV.)

Oh to be able to say this one day and hear my King respond with, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Regarding William Wilberforce, John Piper wrote,

"Consider now the remarkable perseverance of this man in the cause of justice. I admit, this is what drew me to Wilberforce in the first place - his reputation as a man who simply would not give up when the cause was just."

Wilberforce would not quit. Not in the face of defeat, with the sting of failure, strain of stress, tarnish of slander, discomfort of illness, and threat of harm!

Piper went on to state,

"...Wilberforce wrote, 'I have been so often disappointed, that I rejoice with trembling and shall scarcely dare to be confident till I actually see the Order in the Gazette.' But these repeated defeats of his plans did not defeat him. His adversaries complained that 'Wilberforce jumped up whenever they knocked him down.' One of them in particular put it like this: 'It is necessary to watch him as he is blessed with a very sufficient quantity of that Enthusiastic spirit, which is so far from yielding that it grows more vigorous from blows.'"

Wilberforce's prayer was,

"Oh Lord, purify my soul from all its stains. Warm my heart with the love of thee, animate my sluggish nature and fix my inconstancy, and volatility, that I may not be weary in well doing."

Lord, my King, I echo that prayer!!! I, admittedly, am not fighting against such a powerful cause as slavery but I am battling for justice against sin. I feel this places me in a similar boat, albeit Wilberforce was in a massive battleship (figuratively speaking, of course) and I in a dinky row boat... but I have to admit I feel the burden of tension and burn of running the race this long season. I get tired and (at times) overwhelmed. I beg You, my King, for reinforcements and thank You for Your many blessings.

Piper mentions Wilberforce's pain when his oldest, William, "fell away from the Christian faith and gave no evidence of the precious experience his father called 'the great change.'" When Wilberforce got word his son was "spending his father's allowance foolishly",

"Wilberforce agonized and decided to cut off his allowance, have him suspended from school, put him with another family, and not allow him to come home."

Right on! Talk about tough love. Again I can relate to Wilberforce in the heartache of having someone so beloved be apart from God... To not know God's character and grace... To not feel that peace that surpasses all understanding... To not have a future and a hope.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12. ESV.)

Fight the Good Fight of the Faith

2011-08-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12. ESV.)

In the introduction of his book AMAZING GRACE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, John Piper wrote,

"Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British empire. The battle consumed almost forty-six years of his life (from 1787-1833)."

For forty-six years Wilberforce "fought the good fight", felt the sting of defeat, heartache of failure, and perhaps even hopelessness in the face of men, slavery, and wickedness. But how does one "fight the good fight" especially for so long? Piper, explaining Wilberforce's motivation states,

"No true Christian can endure in battling unrighteousness unless his heart is aflame with new spiritual affections, or passions. 'Mere knowledge is confessedly too weak. The affections alone remain to supply the deficiency.'"

Piper goes on to say,

"That is what made Wilberforce tick. He was not a political pragmatist. He was a radically God-centered Christian who was a politician. And his true affections for God based on the 'peculiar doctrines' of Christianity were the roots of his endurance in the cause of justice."

I hope one would look at me and call me "a radically God-centered Christian"! If not, them there is something more I should be doing...even in the capacity of wife/mother/lady of the house.

The Life of a Follower of Christ

Regarding Wilberforce's daily activities, Piper notes,

"Beginning not long after his conversion and lasting until he was married eleven years later, he would now spend his days studying 'about nine or ten hours a day,' typically 'breakfasting alone, taking walks alone, dining with the host family and other guests but not joining them in the evening until he "came down about three-quarters of an hour before bedtime for what supper I wanted."' 'The bible became his best-loved book and he learned stretches by heart.'"

This gives me great encouragement in contrast to individuals who have called me "extreme", "bible thumper", and/or "religious zealot" for being in God's word daily (though, admittedly, far less than "nine or ten hours a day")! Thank you, God!

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13. ESV.)

Was Blind but Now I See

2011-08-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:3-10. ESV.)

Amazing Grace

One of my favorite movies, "Amazing Grace", is about William Wilberforce and his efforts to abolish slavery. Seeming torn between being a pastor or politician, Wilberforce (in the film) was encouraged to do both but remain in parliament. Such an extraordinary man of God shines brightly while I, a writer (among a multitude) with a heart for God dims drastically...barley visible to the naked eye.

I am once again drawn to the book by Pastor John Piper entitled, AMAZING GRACE IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM WILBERFORCE to find out more about this favored man of God.

Wilberforce stated,

"If we would...rejoice in [Christ] as triumphantly as the first Christians did; we must learn, like them to repose our entire trust in him and to adopt the language of the apostle, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ... Who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption."

I can imagine (and empathize with) the struggle Wilberforce faced as he was constantly met with harsh adversity while trying to do the right thing (that is pleasing to God)...the righteous anger that welled up inside of him...the moments of feeling defeat and hopelessness. But all was NOT for nothing. God provided the way in His perfect timing and Wilberforce won his battle regarding slavery. It was a long, unyielding season but look at what it was worth!

Lord, please help me to see clearly that which you place upon my heart (as You direct my steps) and to always feel strength in Christ to remain faithful. You only call me to have faith and promise to take care of the rest. Thank you, Lord, for all you do for your glory and my good.

Remember Those in Prison and Those Who Are Mistreated

2011-08-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Hebrews 13:3. ESV.)

Please do not forget to visit the "Voice of the Martyrs" newsroom regualary and pray for those who are being hurt and killed because of their love for God and Jesus.

By the Grace of God I Am What I Am

2011-08-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to work through something...(incase you could not tell). And it is insanely challenging to me so please bear with me as I preach to myself and search through scripture for answers. (Yes, I wholeheartedly believe the Word of God ALWAYS has what I need to know lovingly enclosed within its pages.)

I feel God does not make mistakes...and that is the bottom line. But when something looks so wrong, is it possible to find God's intent within it? He does all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. But how can that be in some situations? I suppose it is like what Joseph said to his brothers, "You meant it for evil but God used it for good."

I am quick to protect my children against situations and/or relationships that are harmful. But what about the ones that are unavoidable? It would be easy to write it off as "God messed up" or something slipped through His sovereign fingers. But, it is my opinion, that does not happen. I look at my own life, at what has drawn and continues to bring me ever closer to God, and would I not want my children to be solely dependent on God as well? I feel tribulation and adversity press us into God's loving embrace. We run to Him, our Heavenly Father, for comfort and refuge. Yes, my kiddos need a good foundation and my instruction in what is pleasing to God but they also probably require the opportunity to exercise what they know, to practice serving God, and to tell others their understanding of God, His Son, and His character.

At the church I attend in San Francisco, the pastor has spoken a few times about not only fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ but also hanging out with unbelievers, glorifying God through words and actions, and inviting them to get acquainted with God and Christ Jesus. Being with like minded individuals is great nourishment and support but Jesus engaged with those who did not have faith...which is insanely more burdensome and strenuous. Especially when one meets up with the "Saul of Tarsus" type who strikes fear into the hearts of followers of Christ...and harasses, hurts, and terrorizes them.

As a beloved friend of mine reminded me, God loves my young ones far more than I ever could. Yes, He has entrusted them to me but ultimately, there is only so much I can do and it is not my place to speak for God or "play" God...and any attempt at either is highly prideful (a sin which comes before a fall). Not to mention, I completely believe a person's sin seeks them out! I do NOT want that either! So, where does that leave me in conclusion? I'm not quite sure. What scripture springs to your mind? What about,

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20. ESV.)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10. ESV.)

Sovereign Grace Ministries Under Fire?

2011-08-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

I have visited a few Sovereign Grace Church plants across the United States (U.S.). Fact be known, I attend one currently. And, I have been a big supporter and raved about it time and again here. But it seems Sovereign Grace Ministries is under fire and though I do not know the exact details, Tim Challies has a good read over at his blog "Challies.com".

C.J. Mahaney and Difficult Days

These have been difficult days for C.J. Mahaney and Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM). On July 7, in the midst of what has become an increasingly public controversy, Mahaney announced that he would take a leave of absence from SGM. He did this so the ministry’s board can evaluate charges that have been brought against him and so he can examine his own heart and seek reconciliation with people he has wronged. Joshua Harris has since resigned from the SGM board due to disagreements with the board’s handling of the situation; C.J. Mahaney’s two sons-in-law have resigned as pastors at Covenant Life Church (CLC) due to disagreements with CLC’s handling of it.

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Do Not be Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good

2011-08-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

What happens when a season in life falls into gray area where God's word is concerned? There are numerous topics that are very cut and dry (i.e. The ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)) and clear repercussions for sin (i.e. One may divorce if his/her spouse commits adultery). But other things are vague and take much studying and dissecting of the Word of God to come to the best conclusion possible without God's all knowing capabilities.

But what about, say, something like disagreements between two believers who feel they are both correct in their understanding of the scriptures?

One of the greatest areas of debate is Arminian (free will) verses Calvinist (God's complete sovereignty even over dust particles blowing in the wind). Both sides quote scripture to support their points and the bible does not say which is more accurate or if either is spot on. So each is left to try and get it right without a bat-phone to God Himself for audible answers.

Could you imagine if we could conference call God and say, "Okay, Lord, here is my situation. What do you want me to do?" Most likely He would say, "Just wait." At least that's what He's always telling my heart.

It's All Relative

When it's all relative or undefined I have to:

1. Pray for wisdom. (Lots of it!)
2. Be in the Word of God every single day.
3. Stick with what I absolutely comprehend to be truth (based on scripture).
4. Break down the challenging stuff to simplify it as much as possible.
5. Seek doctrinally sound biblical guidance.
6. Pray for more wisdom.
7. Ask others to pray for me.

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2. ESV.)

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.. (Romans 12:14-21. ESV.)

Why are You Afraid, O You of Little Faith?

2011-08-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books (aside from the bible) is RESPECTABLE SINS by Jerry Bridges. A sin he addresses in his writing is that of anxiety.

O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:30-33. ESV.)

But I'm talking more of the type described in Matthew 8 and 14:

26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew8:26. ESV.)

31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, (A) "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31. ESV.)

Someone once described it like this (which I feel is a great illustration)... If I get bit by a dog (especially a big, real mean one) I am going to have distress and apprehension each time that animal comes near me. I can try to preach to myself in an attempt to encourage and calm my nerves but physically it is impossible for me to stop trembling. Perhaps Daniel felt that way in the lion's den? But God delivered him, unharmed.

I KNOW God would do the same for me however, to be honest, I would probably have peed my pants if I had been in Daniel's position. (Had Daniel ever been attacked by a wild cat before? Would it have changed his level of angst or comfort? Had Peter ever nearly drown before he went walking on water with the Lord? Is there an excuse for concern or discomfort or does God have a no tolerance policy?)

I believe God sees and understands my heart. I feel He would expect one to be wise around such a dog.

20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20. ESV.)

My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me

2011-08-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

Just when I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is a cave-in and when the dust settles I realize I must continue to be still and wait on the Lord. I cannot help echoing David's words,

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
   and by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy,
   enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In you our fathers trusted;
   they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried and were rescued;
   in you they trusted and were not put to shame....

11 Be not far from me,
   for trouble is near,
   and there is none to help....

21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!...

24 For he has not despised or abhorred
   the affliction of the afflicted,
and he has not hidden his face from him,
   but has heard, when he cried to him....

26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
   those who seek him shall praise the LORD!
   May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
   and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
   shall worship before you.
28 For kingship belongs to the LORD,
   and he rules over the nations. (Psalm 22:1-5, 11, 21, 24, 26, 27-28. ESV.)

My sin of frustration boils. Why does my God not answer? Lord, my prayers meet you at your mercy seat. I call out to you at the foot of your throne. I am eager for your response. My sin of irritation weighs upon me. Do you not hear my heartfelt petition?!

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. (Hebrews 5:7. ESV.)

You see my heart. For you, I have great adoration! Please hear my prayers! Please do not leave me standing in this place. Remove the rocks that block the Way from me. You are my hope and my future.

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11. ESV.)

Until Death Do Us Part

2011-08-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

You know, try as I might I cannot find "wedding vows" in the Word of God. And yet I used to cling to them as if they were the end all, be all. Idolatry! But scripture does have plenty to say about marriage. I just have to make sure I have everything straight and give each their due weight. In other words, less worldly-wise and more godly.

God's Definition of Marriage

What example does the bible use to illustrate marriage? That would be Jesus and the church. And Christ Jesus NEVER divorces the church but rather gave himself up for her so:

26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27. ESV.)

2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2. ESV.)

God's Instruction for the Husband

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25. ESV.)

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:28. ESV.)

33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, (Ephesians 5:33. ESV.)

7Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7. ESV.)

God's Words for the Wife

I am aware there are "How to be a Good Christian Wife" books out there that some believing wives find offensive and perhaps judgmental, without grace, and/or overwhelming. I have to believe the author's intent was to encourage, but actually ended up discouraging a percentage of Christ following wives. (It is my understanding 1/3 of relationships are abusive and I can see where a "How to be a Good Christian Wife" manual would cause upset instead of comfort in such cases.)

I read the intro of one publication where the writer had picked up a "How to be a Good Christian Wife" bestseller and stated it made her feel like throwing it across the room. Again, I'm sure the work was meant to be a loving guide.

(Pride can also be a factor here so I am just going to quote verses verbatim.)

and let the wife see that she respects her husband.. (Ephesians 5:33. ESV.)

5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:5. ESV.)

3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. (1 Peter 3:3-6. ESV.)

"I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you." (Genesis 3:16. ESV.)

10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10-31. ESV.)

For Those with an Unbelieving Spouse

16For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Corinthians 7:16. ESV.)

1Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2when they see your respectful and pure conduct. (1 Peter 3:1-2. ESV.)

12To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:12-14. ESV.)

And, For the 33.3% Making Up Abusive Relationships

If the abusive relationship is marriage, I must say, please be wise! God has provided the body of Christ and pastors for support, encouragement, and bible based counsel. And please pray for your spouse and your situation. Also, God abhors oppression! His Word speaks out against it. Further,

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9. ESV.)

26 Be angry and do not sin; (Ephesians 4:26. ESV.)

11let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. (1 Peter 3:11-12. ESV.)

10To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife….
15But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Corinthians 7:10, 15-16. ESV.)

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A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break: Be Strong in the Lord

2011-07-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:3. ESV.)

Have you ever been in a season or situation that just seemed hopeless at times? Perhaps with a medical condition and a diagnosis or treatment cannot be found. Or, maybe a court case that appears to be going nowhere or is dragged on for years. Do you find yourself thinking, “Will the judge ever understand?” Possibly it’s a dead end job, lack of work, depression, or an exceptionally difficult and/or unhealthy relationship that might never change. Could it be a struggle with (or loved one who fights) an addiction or substance abuse issues?

I believe all of us face adversity and/or tribulations. But God’s word promises, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench.” Do you see it? A flame that looks to have gone out? But wait, there is the slightest hint of smoldering. A tiny bit of glowing and smoke. It has not quite gone out. How easy would it be to just lick you finger (and thumb) and snuff it? A cinch! Effortless! The difficult part is nurturing the fire so it can rekindle…or mending the battered reed that is ever so barely gripping. So fragile. So tempting to just throw it away and say, “It’s broken. It can’t be fixed. It will never stick.”

God holds on and so can we. He gingerly repairs and cares for that which is injured. He protects the dim spark so it does not die out. He does not discard it! He does not give up on it, lose hope, toss it aside, smother it, stomp it out, or leave it to wilt into nothingness.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18. ESV.)

Be wise! God provides all that we need (i.e. medicine, authorities for protection, pastors and teachers for counsel, the body of Christ for support, food, clothing, shelter, water, etc.)! But also, pray in your affliction, stand firm in the Word of God, put on the whole armor (Ephesians 6:10-20) EVERYDAY!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10. ESV.)

[You] can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens [you]. (Philippians 4:13. NKJV. Emphasis added.)

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Love Changes Everything

2011-07-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

Have I posted this yet? I cannot remember. I LOVE THIS SONG!!!

I first heard it performed by a SPECTACULAR singer on a cruise ship (of all places...where I once worked). I wish I could post his rendition here because it is so beautiful I almost cry every time I listen to it. But, Michael Ball does a wonderful job too. :) (And I heard a Michael Crawford (My personal favorite for "Phantom of the Opera" by the way) version also. The words to this song just go STRAIGHT TO MY HEART...but I am such a hopeless romantic!!! HOPELESS!

Michael Ball: Music Video (Youtube)

Michael Ball: Live Performance with Orchestra (Youtube)

Love, love changes everything
Hands and faces, earth and sky

Love, love changes everything
How you live and how you die

Love, love can make the summer fly
Or a night seem like a lifetime

Yes love, love changes everything
Now I tremble at your name
Nothing in the world will ever be the same

Love, love changes everything
Days are longer, words mean more

Love, love changes everything
Pain is deeper than before

Love will turn your world around
And that world will last forever

Yes love, love changes everything
Brings you glory, brings you shame
Nothing in the world will ever be the same

Off into the world we go
Planning futures, shaping years
Love bursts in and suddenly all our wisdom disappears

Love makes fools of everyone
All the rules we make are broken

Yes love, love changes everyone
Live or perish in its flame

Love will never never let you be the same

Love will never never let you be the same

He Has Made Everything Beautiful in its Time

2011-07-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10. ESV.)

God has me waiting. He’s had me waiting for quite a long time…many years in fact. Each day I wake with the hope, “Today is the day!” But God is still seemingly silent. I do see Him at work, tweaking something here, dishing out a spanking there, etc. But continually I am left standing motionless, abiding in Him. I cannot help but wonder, “For how long, Lord? My entire lifetime?”

Some days are painful…either to my heart, soul, or from being in one position for so long. Others are sweetly blessed, even in the face of adversity. And a few are frustrating as though I am walking against a nearly overpowering wind and not making much progress. When will the harsh breeze stop blowing so I can start sprinting?

When I think of faithful men and women of God who had a heart for Him and were pleasing in His sight yet were put on hold for a season, the following spring to mind:

1. Joseph (who was sold into slavery and served time in prison for a crime he did not commit.)
2. Hosea (whose wife that God ordained for him was a prostitute.)
3. Sarah (wife of Abraham who was unable to have children until blessed with Isaac.)
4. God’s people in the hands of Pharaoh (were slaves, oppressed, and killed until God released them and Moses led them to the Promised Land.)
5. Jonah (who disobeyed God and was swallowed by a big fish.)
6. Noah (who was told to build an ark and sit on it for over a month until the rain ended and flood waters receded.)
7. David (whose life was threatened by King Saul, had to flee, and hang out until it was safe and Saul was no longer out to kill him.)
8. Daniel (who was thrown into a lion’s den and had to survive until morning.)
9. Abigail (who was married to a “harsh and foolish” man.)

In each of the above cases there was a time (by God’s design) for everything.

1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

9What gain has the worker from his toil? 10I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
14I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. ESV.)

Please God, make me steadfast. Keep our eyes fixed on you and deliver us from evil. Amen.

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Recycled Post: Small Town Girl, Great Big World

2011-07-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

(Hum, that's a pretty lame title. Not sure what I was thinking but okay. Sorry everyone.)

I'm currently devoting time to a project and this post I originally published here on January 6, 2010 kind of goes along with that on which I am working. So, I felt it fitting to recycle it.

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16. ESV.)

I was born and raised in a moderately small town (which is not so small anymore). But I am thankful to my King for sending me out in His vast world and showing me what a tiny pebble I am in such an immense ocean. He provided the means for me to travel…first through my parents (when I was in high school) and then following graduation, as an employee of a well known company. I was blessed to visit France, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, Australia, and Taiwan.

Paris, France

Mount Pilatus in Lucerne, Switzerland

The Vatican City with Sistine Chapel, Rome Italy

The Colosseum, Rome Italy

In Asia the corporation for which I worked was highly publicized and in soaring demand. As a result, its employees were treated like celebrities whenever we went out in small or large groups. We were stopped in public, asked for our autographs, and requested to pose for pictures. It was quite humbling to be held to such standards. I'm just me, a daughter of the King.

Sight seeing in Singapore.

Visiting a zoo in Australia.

Taipei, Taiwan

All this to say, what an awesome God I serve!!!
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20. ESV.)

I am so indescribably thankful for all I have seen, for knowing I am one in well over six billion people, and for humility! Who am I? I am merely a well digger…but that is a post for another day.,

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Be Not Dismayed, I Will Uphold You With My Righteous Right Hand

2011-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

4By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. (Hebrews 11:4. ESV.)

I did not sleep very well last night. My mind was reeling and though I try to preach to my body not to listen to my brain as it goes off on its tangents and swirls about (because I am not taking every thought captive) my body does not listen and ends up getting upset…especially my stomach.

Sometimes I cannot help but wonder about those who are true and faithful servants to God yet they suffer and sometimes die. There are so many throughout the events of the Old Testament and New Testament (in which we are still) times. Some were protected during their persecution and did not endure agony---like Daniel (in the lion’s den), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (who were thrown into a “blazing furnace” yet walked around in there and came out unharmed).

However there were many others who underwent unimaginable torture (most of all, Christ Jesus) in being beaten, stoned, crucified, beheaded, etc. (like Stephen, Jesus and Peter, and John the Baptist to name a few).

8Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?" 10And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. (Genesis 4:8-10. ESV.)

I am sure it is easy for one to say, “Why would an all powerful, sovereign God allow this?” The faithful answers are:

28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28. ESV.)

8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8. ESV.)

10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10. ESV.)

9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

But as someone who is waiting on the Lord (and has been for quite a while now), it is super easy to let doubt weasel it’s way into unguarded thoughts and the heart.

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6. ESV.)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5. ESV.)

10fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10. ESV.)

(Photo Information.)

What Are You Currently Reading?

2011-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but with summer comes a major change in our household schedule. As the COO (Chief Operations Officer) of my homestead (trumped only by the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) a.k.a hubs, it is my responsibility (among many others) to make sure each child stays focused, on track, and on time. Whether it is with school work, sports, other extra curricular activities, etc. But summertime brings with it yet another challenge...to keep my crew busy and out of trouble!

This marvelous, favored season (of mine) also offers up a few more opportunities to sit down with a book...regardless if I am waiting at the pool (or another location) for the kiddos to finish playing or practice, at the park supervising time with friends, at the beach, or on the boat.

Aside from the bible, I am dabbling in two books and am seriously reading a third. The first DEADLY DECISIONS by Kathy Reichs I bought many months ago and have been falling in and out of it ever since. I stand on page 200 in chapter 22 and will continue to slowly make my way through. I suppose it is taking me so long because I am attached to the characters of the t.v. program "Bones" and though "Bones" is based on the books by Kathy Reichs involving a main character by the same name of "Temperance Brennan" she is nowhere near that of "Tempe" in the show. And, I have yet to come across a character the equivalent of "Booth".

The second book is HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK by Terry McMillan which I have already read through once and completely enjoyed the first time around.

Third, is EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. I watched the movie first and wondered what the book was like. Was the film spot on, way off, or somewhere in between. Also, I had questions regarding things I did not quite follow...which I will not mention here incase you have neither seen the flick nor read the book. I am now getting the answers to those questions within its pages. EAT, PRAY, LOVE is not a book about a follower of Christ so if you stick with Christian literature, this is not a book for you. Below is the trailer for the adaptation.

Every Tongue Confess Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God

2011-07-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:11. ESV.)

Hulle almal sal met oortuiging vir mekaar sê: "Jesus Christus is die Here." So sal almal ook besef hoe groot en belangrik God die Vader is.

ويعترف كل لسان ان يسوع المسيح هو رب لمجد الله الآب

и всеки език да изповяда, че Исус Христос е Господ, за слава на Бога Отца.

a každý jazyk aby ke slávě Boha Otce vyznal, že Ježíš Kristus je Pán.

og hver Tunge skal bekjende, at Jesus Christus er den Herre til Gud Faders Ære.

und alle Zungen bekennen sollen, daß Jesus Christus der HERR sei, zur Ehre Gottes, des Vaters.

y toda lengua confiese que Jesucristo es Señor, para gloria de Dios Padre.

Eta mihi guciac confessa deçan ecen Iaun dela Iesus Christ, Iainco Aitaren glorián.

ja jokaisen kielen pitää tunnustaman Isän Jumalan kunniaksi, että Jeesus Kristus on Herra.

et que toute langue confesse que Jésus-Christ est Seigneur, à la gloire de Dieu le Père.

καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός.

וכל אדם יודה שישוע הוא האדון, לכבודו של אלוהים האב.
וכל אדם יודה שישוע הוא האדון, לכבודו של אלוהים האב. ידידי היקרים, כשהייתי אצלכם שמעתם בקולי תמיד. עתה כשאני רחוק מכם, אני מבקש שתמשיכו לעשות מעשים טובים שנובעים מישועתכם. שמעו בקול אלוהים ביראה עמוקה, והתרחקו מכל דבר העלול לא למצוא-חן בעיניו. כי אלוהים הוא פועל בכם לרצות להישמע לו, והוא גם עוזר לכם למלא את רצונו.

i da svaki jezik prizna: "Isus Krist je Gospodin" na slavu Boga Oca.

És minden nyelv vallja, hogy Jézus Krisztus Úr az Atya Isten dicsőségére.

եւ ամէն լեզու դաւանի թէ Յիսուս Քրիստոս Տէր է՝ Հայր Աստուծոյ փառքին համար:

Setiap orang akan mengaku, "Yesus Kristus adalah Tuhan." Hal itu akan membawa kemuliaan bagi Allah Bapa.

e ogni lingua confessi che Gesú Cristo è il Signore, alla gloria di Dio Padre.

すべての口が「イエス・キリストは主です」と告白して、父なる神がほめたたえられるためです。

모든 입으로 예수 그리스도를 주라 시인하여 하나님 아버지께 영광을 돌리게 하셨느니라

sy haneken'ny lela rehetra fa Jesosy Kristy no Tompo ho voninahitr'Andriamanitra Ray.

A kia whakaae nga arero katoa ko Ihu Karaiti te Ariki, hei whakakororia i te Atua Matua.

En alle tong zou belijden, dat Jezus Christus de Heere zij, tot heerlijkheid Gods des Vaders.

Og hver tunge bekjenne at Jesus Kristus er Herre, til Gud Faders ære.

A wszelki język aby wyznawał, że Jezus Chrystus jest Panem ku chwale Boga Ojca.

e para que toda boca confesse que Jesus Cristo é Senhor, para a glória de Deus Pai.

Chaipimi, tucuicunallataj Jesucristotaca, Mandajmi nishpa, Taita Diosta sumajyachingacuna.

și orice limbă să mărturisească, spre slava lui Dumnezeu Tatăl, că Isus Hristos este Domnul.

и всякий язык исповедал, что Господь Иисус Христос в славу Бога Отца.

a aby každý jazyk vyznával: „Ježiš Kristus je Pán!“ na slávu Boha Otca.

iyo in carrab kastaaba qirto in Ciise Masiix yahay Rabbiga in Ilaaha Aabbaha ah lagu ammaano.

Prandaj, të dashurit e mi, ashtu sikur keni qenë gjithnjë të bindur jo vetëm kur isha i pranishëm, por edhe më shumë tani që jam larg, punoni për shpëtimin tuaj me frikë e me dridhje,

och för att alla tungor skola bekänna, Gud, Fadern, till ära, att Jesus Kristus är Herre.

na kila ulimi ukiri ya kuwa YESU KRISTO NI Bwana, kwa utukufu wa Mungu Baba.

และเพื่อ `ลิ้นทุกลิ้นจะยอมรับ' ว่าพระเยซูคริสต์ทรงเป็นองค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า อันเป็นการถวายพระเกียรติแด่พระเจ้าพระบิดา

At upang ipahayag ng lahat ng mga dila na si Jesucristo ay Panginoon, sa ikaluluwalhati ng Dios Ama.

і щоб кожен язик визнавав: Ісус Христос то Господь, на славу Бога Отця!

اور ہر زبان تسلیم کرے کہ عیسیٰ مسیح خداوند ہے۔ یوں خدا باپ کو جلال دیا جائے گا۔

và mọi lưỡi đều xưng nhận Chúa Cứu Thế Giê-xu là Chúa để mang vinh hiển về cho Thượng Đế là Cha.

无不口称耶稣基督为主，使荣耀归与父　神。

leii peuhmah in, “Jesu Christ, Topa hi,” ci-in pulak dinga, Pa Pasian minthanna ahi ding hi.

Do You Know God?

2011-07-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Good Housekeeping

2011-07-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last week hubs asked for something new and exciting each evening for dinner. In an effort to accomplish this (since I never really learned to cook but can at least follow a recipe) I have turned to the GOOD HOUSEKEEPING COOKBOOK I found at the library and purchased for $0.50. Published in 1963 it has some great "old school" concoctions.

Last night we had delicious "Chicken Tropical" which kind of reminded me of "sweet and sour chicken" (but not so much sour).

Chicken Tropical
1 3-lb. Broiler-fryer, cut up
Seasoned flour (1/2C flour, 1tsp. Salt, 1/8 tsp. Pepper)
1/2 C shortening
1 tsp salt
1 C orange juice
2 Tbl brown sugar
2 Tbl vinegar
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp dried basil
12 small new potatoes
1 1-lb-13-oz. Can cling-peach slices, drained
Parsley

Lightly coat chicken with seasoned flour. In hot shortening, in chicken fryer or large skillet, sauté chicken until golden on all sides. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Combine orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, nutmeg, and basil; pour over chicken. Place well-scrubbed new potatoes between and around chicken pieces. Cook, covered, over medium heat, 25 minutes, or until chicken and potatoes are tender. Then add peaches; heat, covered, 5 minutes. Serve at once, garnish with parsley. Makes 4-6 servings.

Today we tasted (and enjoyed) the "Hamburger Crunch" which reminded me greatly of the original "Rice-A-Roni" (with ground meet).

Hamburger Crunch
1 8-oz pkg. Spaghetti
2 large onions, minced
2 Tblsp salad oil
2 lb. Chuck, ground once
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp monosodium glutamate
1 10 1/2-oz can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 soup-can water
1 3- or 4-oz can sliced or chopped mushrooms, drained
1 cup cut-up natural Cheddar cheese
1 tsp sugar
2 Tblsp Worcestershire
1 7-oz can salted mixed nuts, coarsely chopped

Cook spaghetti as lable directs, until barely tender; drain. In large Dutch oven, sauté onions in oil until golden. Add meat; brown until it is crumbly. Add salt, pepper, monosodium glutamate. Stir in soup, water, mushrooms, 2/3 C cheese, sugar, Worcestershire, and then spaghetti. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Start heating oven to 350°F. Turn spaghetti-beef mixture into 2 1/2 qt. Greased casserole. Push nuts down into mixture; sprinkle with 1/3 C cut-up cheese. Bake 30 minutes. Makes 8 to 10 servings. * For 4: Use half an 8-oz pkg. Spaghetti; half can of nuts. Prepare meat sauce as directed; freeze half of it to serve heated over cooked rice or noodles another day. Add spaghetti to half of sauce; simmer and bake as directed.

** Both dishes can be made vegetarian by substituting the meat with soy protein products.

Friendship with the World is Enmity with God

2011-07-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

4 Blessed is the man who makes
the LORD his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie! (Psalm 40:4. ESV.)

Psalm 146:3: Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

An Enemy of God

What if he doesn't like that? What if she gets offended? What if I lose "subscribers"? What is my problem?! Why am I so concerned with what individuals think or say or do? My focus SHOULD remain on God/Christ Jesus!

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4. ESV.)

1 John 4:5: They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.

Luke 6:26: "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

John 17:14: I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

John 15:19: If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

The Bottom Line

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:35. ESV.)

2 Peter 3:10: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Isaiah 51:6: Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
   and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
   the earth will wear out like a garment,
   and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
   and my righteousness will never be dismayed.

1 Peter 1:23: since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

1 Peter 1:25: but the word of the Lord remains forever."
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

So God Created Man in His Own Image, Male and Female He Created Them

2011-07-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
   and your young men shall see visions,
   and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
   in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18. ESV.)

Acts 21:8-9: 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.

Daughters Shall Prophesy But Not Lead

It looks like there are an abundance of "gifts" bestowed by the Holy Spirit:

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11. ESV.)

Although prophesy is one of them regarding women, instruction and leadership over men is not:

12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2:12-15. ESV.)

Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Galatians 4:4: But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

At the university I attended, my English composition teacher/professor became highly offended and indignant when I wrote in one of my papers that women (Eve) were created from the rib of Adam. I recall she was quite upset and advised me not to include it! It was not until I was beyond an impressionable age I realized it was not hers to take away or tell me to exclude. It is my belief whether she agreed or not.

Equal Yet Different

In my opinion, it is not a competition between genders. Both are important! Both are in the image of God and represent (glorify) Him. But each within his or her capacity (the scope of their work, i.e. job description, as set forth by God Himself).

10 An excellent wife who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12. ESV.)