Be not conformed

Marriage

2011-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

I think I've mentioned in my posts about Keepers of the Faith that I just LOVE the marriage book that they wrote. They used to have a magazine and the book is comprised of articles that they ran in the magazine and then compiled into a book. I've read MANY (and I TRULY mean MANY) books on marriage and in my opinion theirs is the absolute best. I like it because the writer, Susan Zakula, is blunt but kind. She lays it on the line very plainly but she also says several times that she has not 'arrived' in this area and is still learning herself....even after 30 years of marriage. And that's the other thing. I like that she's been married for 30 years! If she's been married that long, she must know a thing or two about it. I've been married to Mr. Wonderful for 14 years which seems like a small amount of time compared to 30 years, but in this day and age it's quite a long time. The book is also full of Scripture and Biblical principles which is so important....it's not 'their philosophy' they're trying to impart but Biblical truth.

I feel like I can relate to Mrs. Zakula because she was not raised in a Christian home and neither was I. It seems like she truly understands the struggles that I go through because of my lack of proper Biblical training on how to be a Godly wife.....training that would have been so helpful for me as a married woman.

I obtained permission from them to quote from their book. To be honest, I hope reading my review will make you want to immediatly go out and purchase a copy for yourself. In my opinion it's the best investment of $8.95 that you'll ever make.

The book is 195 pages and it has 14 chapters so I think it will take several posts to cover what I'd like to cover. I've highlighted and written in my book so I'm going to share with you some direct quotes from the book that really spoke to my heart. I have read the book at least twice and I'm reviewing it again for this post and it never fails to speak to my heart. I just love it.......can you tell? (o;

Chapter 1-"Is Your Life Out of Kilter Too?"

She (Susan Zakula) opens with a letter she received from a woman (and the letter represents many of the letters that she often receives). This woman talks about how she is burned out and is under a doctor's orders of 'enforced rest' because she has allowed herself to get way over-extended in her commitments outside of her home (even though she's a stay-at-home mom). She home-schools her children, administrates a home-school organization for her home business and also does some other 'home business' type of things to help suppliment her husband's income. To quote the letter, she says 'It all seemed right and necessary--but somewhere things went wrong. I found myself in a leadership role where I was more and more talking about things I no longer had time to do; getting impatient and angry with my husband and children for their failure and/or inability to 'help me' with my overload of work." She then goes on to express that she even had thoughts that God had abandoned her. She ends by saying how she's had to turn over her home business to someone else and she is trying to recoup mentally and physically and is using the time to try and figure out how she got off the path of being 'at home' --with serving her husband and children and having her home as her primary duty. There is much more but the last sentence says...."So many seem untroubled by the fast pace, the lack of time to thoughtfully discipline and carefully train their children and the lack of time to be quietly at home."

Mrs. Zakula then talks about how letters like this "make her heart heavy for those dear women whose hearts are breaking and for all of the young wives and mothers heading in the same direction." She then talks about 'Deceptions'. How we Christian ladies can be deceived by the devil with not just evil things but things that are good--"good ideas, good opportunities, good service, and good activities." Then she quotes her husband "The most dangerous lie is the lie that is closest to the truth." And that is so true! "Because it's the most difficult lie to discern. A successful lie must have a considerable amount of truth in it or people won't believe it." She then goes on to talk about the answers and how that God is not responsible for the messes we make in our life but He does have the answers to help us untangle our mess.

Then Mrs. Zakula talks about how she is NOT the 'perfect woman, the perfect wife or the perfect mother.' She says she was a feminist when the Lord saved her. She says "His salvation was a mountaintop experience; becoming a godly, submissive wife has been a lifelong process." She talks about how she's still learning and that she has not arrived. She then says "A good marriage lies in loving God more than we love ourselves." One of my favourite quotes from this chapter is this:

**"We don't work at developing a good marriage. We work at submitting ourselves to our heavenly Father, being filled with the fruits of His Spirit, and the result is a happy relationship with our husbands. Sin is the separating factor. There is no pat recipe for marital bliss."
Chapter 2-"Beginnings"

Mrs. Zakula says "We women tend to focus on the external aspects of married life." She then talks about the many questions she gets such as "Where does a woman draw the line in obedience?" She talks about how the answers to these questions will not usually repair the marriage and how some women seem to want a list of do's and don'ts. She says "A rule book will not work for a marriage." She talks about how many women feel like God was unfair in determining the male and female roles and how some women feel that God has placed them in an 'inferior position'. She then asks us to pray that our hearts and minds will be truly open to God's truth and she quotes Psalm 25:4-5.

Mrs. Zakula goes back to Genesis 2:18-25. She says "There is not one negative thought expressed in God's intention for your being." She says many other good things and then asks "Can you trust God?" Then she talks about how many of us don't realize how much wives mean to their husbands. And how husbands have hopes and dreams when they come to marriage too (not just women--men dream too). Many women talk about 'what a disappointment' their marriage has turned out to be or how 'they didn't think it would be this way'. She points out that it's the same for the husband too. She says "For instance, your husband didn't realize that you'd be too tired most of the time, crabby, busy with the house, visiting with your friends. He didn't know the children would take up all your time. He didn't know how great the living expenses would become." What she's trying to bring out is that husbands have hopes and dreams that didn't come true too...it's not just women who experience these feelings of disallusionment.

Here are some of my favourite quotes from this chapter:

**"Seldom does a woman phone or write about what a terrible wife she is, only about her husband. She cries for herself, never for him. Each is wrapped up in their own misery, never seeing the misery of their spouse."

**"Have you ever thought of asking your husband what his dreams were, or does he even have any left? How is he disappointed in you? How have you let him down?"

**"A man is looking for more than a housekeeper. He can hire that. He is looking for more than a cook. He can hire that. He is looking for a woman to love him, to become one flesh with him. He is looking for a woman to be a friend and a lover. Have you ever stopped to think just how much you might be letting him down?"

She then asks us to examine our own hearts....to focus on ourselves not on our husband's faults. She also points out that love is more than just an emotion......it is an act and it is commanded by God.

I've quoted extensively from the first 2 chapters. I will be a little more brief in the next 12. There is just too much good information for me to be able to convey it all in a post. I encourage you to buy the book and study it for yourself. And as with anything examine it with Acts 17:11 in mind, as you should ANYTHING you read. I think you'll find that their teachings align with the Bible.

To purchase the book "Are You Serious About Marriage?" go here. It is only $8.95 and it's full of so much truth.

The book "Are You Serious About marriage?" is copyrighted. If you wish to quote from their book you must obtain permission from them. Copyright © 2006 Keepers of the Faith, Co. All rights reserved.

"It Is Finished!"

2011-01-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Image is from http://www.allposters.com/

This article was given to me several years ago. It is hard to read but I think it is necessary for us to truly understand a little bit what Jesus endured. Not only for the saved but for the lost as well. Jesus died for all--knowing that few would accept His gift.

~~Mrs. B

The Crucifixion of Christ: As Seen Through the Eyes of a Medical Doctor

(Based on an article taken from the JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, by Dr. William D. Edwards)

It is easy for us to thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ. In fact, we say it many times without even thinking about it. This Easter, take some time to reflect on the gravity of the pain and suffering Jesus Christ endured for you. As you read the explanation of the crucifixion below, you will begin to truly understand the great love Jesus has for you. He was willing to die the most horrible of deaths so that you might live forever with Him.

Preparation For The Cross

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him." John 19:1

Flogging was a legal preliminary to every Roman execution, and only women and Roman senators or soldiers (except in the case of desertion) were exempt. The usual instrument was a short whip with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. Occasionally, staves were also used.

For scourging, the man was stripped of his clothing and his hands were tied to an upright post. The back, buttocks, and legs were flogged either by two soldiers or by one who alternated positions. The scourging was intended to weaken the victim to a state of just short of collapse or of death.

After the scourging, the soldiers often taunted their victim. As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim's back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. As the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock. The extent of the blood may well have determined how long the victim would survive on the cross.

Then, Jesus was severely whipped. (Although the severity of the scourging is not discussed in the four gospel accounts, it is implied in one of the epistles, 1 Peter 2:24.) It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law. When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner was near death, the beating was finally stopped. The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with His own blood.

The Humiliation of Our Lord

The Roman soldiers saw a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a King. They threw a robe across His shoulders and placed a stick in His hand. They still needed a crown to make their travesty complete. A small bundle of flexible branches covered with long thorns was plaited into the shape of a crown and was pressed into His scalp. Again, there was copious bleeding, the scalp being one of the most vascular areas of the body.

After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers took the stick from His hand and struck Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp. Finally, they tired of their sadistic sport and the robe was torn from His back. This had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain, almost as though He were again being whipped-and the wounds again began to bleed. In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans returned His garments.

The Road To Calvary

The heavy horizontal beam of the cross was tied across His shoulders, and the procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution party walked along the Via Dolorosa.

In spite of His efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by the copious blood loss, was too much. He stumbled and fell. The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of his shoulders. He tried to rise, but His muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance.

The centurion, anxious to get on with the crucifixion, selected Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross. Jesus followed, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock. The 650 yard journey from the fortress Antonia to Golgotha was finally completed. Jesus was once again stripped of his clothes-except for a loincloth, which was allowed.

The Crucifixion Begins

Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic mixture. He refused to drink. Simon was ordered to place the cross beam on the ground, and Jesus was quickly thrown backward with His shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drove a heavy, square, wrought-iron nail through His wrist and deep into the wood.

Quickly, he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but allow some flexibility and movement. The beam was then lifted in place at the top of the vertical beam with the title reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," and nailed in place.

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left." Luke 23:33

The Death of Jesus

Jesus Christ was now crucified. As He slowly sagged down and more weight was on the nails in the wrist, excruciating, fiery pain shot along His fingers and arms to explode in His brain. The nails in His wrists were putting pressure on the median nerves. As He pushed Himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He placed His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again, there was the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of His feet. At this point, another phenomenon occurred. As His arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless throbbing pain. With these cramps came the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by His arms, the pectoral muscles were paralyzed and intercostal muscles were unable to act. Air could be drawn into the lungs, but He could not exhale.

Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide built up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, He was able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences which were recorded in the Bible.

He suffered hours of this limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue was torn from His lacerated back as He moved up and down against the rough timber. Then another agony began. A deep crushing pain in His chest as His pericardium slowly filled with serum and began to compress His heart.
It was now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level…..the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues….tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood to stimuli His brain.
His mission of atonement had been completed. Finally He could allow His body to die. With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath and uttered His seventh and last cry, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit:” (Luke 23:46)

A Single Keeper at Home--A Guest Post by Janet

2006-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

I just recently found a blog called 'Janet's Journal'. I've really enjoyed reading her writings from the perspective of a stay-at-home, single mother of 3. I asked her permission to post her post on my blog because I think it's something that we all need to think about. I think the church has done a terrible job ministering to single parents. I know this post spoke to my heart and I hope it speaks to yours as well.

Blessings,

~Mrs. B

ps.- Janet designs websights so if you have that type of need, contact her. I'm sure she'd appreciate the business! (o:

The Single Keeper at Home and How You Can Helpby Janet W.
I am a keeper at home; however, I am a single woman. I want to give some perspective and hope to single women whose hearts’ desire is to be at home with their children. I believe it is a command for women to be keepers at home, regardless of their circumstances. Titus 2:3-5 reads "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (emphasis mine) Did you see that? For a mother not to be a keeper at home is blaspheming the Word of God! The Bible doesn’t say that becoming single changes that. Some may say that these verses apply only to that day and time in which this was written. I don’t think we can pick and choose what verses we obey or when we obey His Word. His Word is Truth and never changes. God meant what He said and said what He meant. He created the family and knows what is best! We can trust Him for that!
I have been single for over 5 years now because of an unwanted divorce. I have three beautiful daughters, who I’ve always homeschooled. They are 13, 10 and 8. I never dreamed I could remain at home with my girls and keep homeschooling them. God has been so good to honor the desires of my heart, and my desire to do things HIS way!
When I first became single again, I panicked, did what I was told from church-members, and took a part-time job at a grocery store. After all, all single women have to go to work, right? The hours were in the evenings so that I could homeschool in the mornings. Every week, I worked three straight days, from 2PM until midnight. It was hard, fast-paced work. After a while, my family was falling apart. The devil was working, and I began to see very quickly that I had no business being out of my home! My mother kept my girls, and she did the best she could, but she was not training them at all (It was not her job, was it?!); they were only being watched and fed. The girls were getting out of control, and I was too exhausted to homeschool properly. It took me days to recuperate from those three working days, and then it was time to go back to work. After working for five months, I started begging God to send me work to do from home. Within one week, I had four children, besides my own, to care for daily!
Some may think that having seven kids to care for every day would be daunting, but I was so thrilled to have them! God had answered my prayers, and I could be there for my daughters again! God helped me schedule all the children and things went very well. This was a summer job though, and all but one child returned to school in the fall. That was ok, because the Lord had allowed my website designing business to start making a little money here and there. I also received some child support, but not a lot.
Eventually, for various reasons, I quit keeping children in my home, and was able to be with my girls exclusively. God sent me customers that needed website work done every now and then. In time, child support increased even more, but still things were very tight. More than anything though, God cared for us through His people. We had no car for a year, but we prayed and waited patiently and confidently. I was not going to disobey God and leave my home to go to work just to buy a vehicle. My girls deserved my best, which was my time, not possessions!

One day, a wonderful lady from our church called to see if I wanted their used minivan. I told her I could not afford it. She said "No, we want to give it to you." That was God!! My daughters and I just cried. My girls saw God their Father taking care of us. When I prayed, I honestly expected a beat-up old car, for which I would have been extremely grateful. But God exceeded it with a nice minivan, of all things, that ran perfectly! I never ever thought I’d have a minivan. Another family gave us a perfectly good piano! Another prayer answered! Last year, we were given a good used washer and dryer set, after we’d done without a dryer for some time. Many of God’s children have sent love gifts of money, many just in time. One friend took care of bills when my house was about to be repossessed for past due taxes. This friend also takes care of the girls’ school books and other school expenses whenever the need arises. God’s hands are truly the hands of His people!
I want to make it clear that we in no way sit back and expect folks to help us. But it is how God works to meet needs in our situation and others. Money will not fall from the sky, although it could, if God so chose. God lays things on the hearts of others, and they reach out to help. I will not refuse blessings and answers to prayers that God sends! When you refuse help, you are robbing that person of a blessing. You also are refusing God’s answer to prayer! How can we refuse God’s provisions?? How prideful that is!
I know that I’m very blessed to have child support. Some women may not have this. Whether you do or not, but still need additional income, I urge you to seek to find some sort of "cottage business" like the Proverbs 31 woman had. She found something she could do at home to make money for her family. I believe with all my heart that God will answer your prayer and abundantly bless you! God longs to see women being joyful keepers at home! I know of one single, homeschooling mother who, along with her five daughters, cleans houses and businesses. I know other single mothers who run home daycares, write articles, make beautiful handmade items to sell, etc. There are so many possibilities! Ask God, in faith, what to do, KNOWING that He WILL show you! It may take some time for you to be at home full-time, but God will do some "great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!" (Jeremiah 33:3) I never, ever thought that I would really make it as a website designer, but oh, how God loves to prove us wrong and surprise us, even with our doubting, worrying hearts!
I further urge you single sisters, and even married sisters in dire straights, to accept help from different sources. It should come from the church first, but could also come from charity organizations or the government. I know many Christians feel one should not accept charity, but God has made it available to us, and it would be wise, for our children’s sakes, to take it, be thankful, and use these resources to continue rearing our children for the Lord. Many feel that "if you don’t work, neither shall ye eat." Well, I work VERY hard at home-- obeying God. The work God gave me to do is to be a keeper at home. This is a full-time Christian ministry! I take care of my children, I homeschool them, I keep my home, I am available to others, and work in my cottage business. Even with severely cut living expenses, sometimes there is just not enough money, and if you can get some help-- that will further enable you to do God’s will-- then please do so. Don’t let pride keep you from accepting help and, therefore, not obeying God by keeping your home. Many Christians will accept government checks for foster children and/or adoptive children, but condemn other forms of assistance. There really is no difference. In light of the fact that many churches and families no longer support the widows or help the poor as they should, it is a necessary evil. I’m just so thankful for any and all help that I receive. I don’t become wound up in my pride; my focus is my CHILDREN’S needs, and being at home with them. I cannot adequately express how important and vital it is to the welfare of the Christian family.
I want to give ideas to those who want to know how to help single mothers who are striving to raise their children for the Lord. (This would probably also be a blessing to single fathers, mothers with husbands in the military, or to two-parent families who are in dire straits.)
**Pray for them. Pray for their strength-- spiritual, physical and emotional. One of the biggest problems I have is being exhausted in all ways because I do it all alone-- all the time.
**Encourage them often. Tell them they are doing a good job. There is no one at home to tell them, and often they doubt they are doing any good at all. It is tough to keep going down such a long, hard road alone.
**Ask them about their lives. I have found that many people will not ask me about my life, other than a quick "How are you?", probably because they are afraid of pouring salt in my wound, or they just don't know how to relate to me. I have been in many situations where the ladies would go on and on about their lives, but never wanted to really know what was going on in mine. (And yes, I spent quite a lot of time showing interest in them first.) Single mothers would like to be included in conversations also.
**Offer to take their children to appointments, lessons, or other activities. One parent cannot do it all, and ofttimes, for the mental well-being of the single parent, activities are severely limited; OR the mother is run so ragged that she loses her physical, mental, and emotional health. Imagine what it is like to have NO ONE to go pick up a gallon of milk for you, or to run by the pharmacy for medicine for a sick child (or a sick mama!). Those small errands add up and exhaust a single mother. Imagine what it is like not to have someone come home to you at the end of the day, to relieve you of the children for just a little while, for someone to field a multitude of childish questions, for someone to be your cheerleader, or for someone simply to give you a much-needed hug and to take care of you. No, there is no one. A single mother has to handle the children, and all of life’s problems and situations alone all the time. One of the things I want to hear so often is "You heard your mother. Now go and do what she said."
**Offer to help them financially in some way. This could be paying for music or other lessons that are just impossible for the single mother to afford. This could be something small as paying for a magazine subscription for the children or for the mother. These things are luxuries. It could be buying a pair of shoes for a fast-growing child. It could be by funding homeschool books for a homeschooling family. It could be to pay one bill for them at one time, or committing to continually pay a certain bill until things are a lot better for them.
If every local church member would give even $5 a week or month, what a difference it would make in the life of a single mother! It is a terrible shame for a mother to have to return to work after becoming single again, no matter the reason why. The children have already suffered the loss of their father, sometimes their home, and often a depletion of finances. They should not have to lose their mother also! How much more they need their mother in the home full-time to give them stability and love!

Folks, we must realize how necessary it is for a mother to be at home with her children, no matter what the age of the children (teenagers need just as much or more supervision than toddlers do) or the circumstances! We must get back to Bible living!
It is also a terrible shame for fellow Christians to "live on flowery beds of ease", while some do without the necessities of life. Did Jesus live like this? Jesus had no place to lay His head, but I’m seeing people that hoard their possessions, accumulating more and more, forgetting that we are just passing through, and that we are here to glorify God and minister to others. I am so appalled by the lack of compassion that I’m seeing by "Christians". Acts 4:34-35 shares how the early church treated each other: "Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." (emphasis mine) Where is the compassion for others, especially "those of the household of faith"? (Galatians 6:10)

It’s not wrong for families to have possessions-- things that they have worked so hard for. But where is the concern for the souls of little children who need their mothers? Are not mothers the best teachers for these little children of God? If many would help just a little, what great things could be accomplished! Will you be like the Good Samaritan and help, binding their wounds and giving them care and shelter, or are you going to be like the other "religious" folks, looking the other way and passing on? (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus said to and "Go, and do thou likewise" just as the Good Samaritan did.
**Call a single mother sometime and ask if they have a specific need that you can meet. It’s so hard to ask for help, and they really ought not to have to ask often. Call and see if they need some repair work done to their house or vehicle. If the mother has no health insurance, help her get to the doctor when needed. In doing some of these things, you can relieve so much stress from a single mother’s mind so that she can concentrate on her noble and heavenly task of fitting little ones for Heaven. It is VERY difficult to do any good at all when you live with constant worry and stress. Even small things people normally take for granted every day can become enormous problems for a single mother-- like a child needing new shoes or having enough gas in the vehicle.
**Do not brag on your good fortunes. Just as we would not go on and on over a new baby in the presence of someone who can not conceive or who had recently lost a child, it is thoughtless to share all about your fortunes and luxuries that a single person cannot possibly even dream of, who is terrified deep in her heart of what tomorrow will bring for her financially, who struggles with the basic needs of life. You have no idea who may be about to lose her home or have her electricity turned off. Please also be careful about mentioning romantic gestures that you have received from your husband, when a single mother has no husband to love her. It is not that you have to be on eggshells around them; it is just that you can cause pain without realizing or meaning to. I can testify how hard it is to balance being happy for your friends' blessings, yet hurting because you are in very hard circumstances.
**Don’t expect things from them, just because they come easy to you. As a matter of fact, we shouldn’t do this to anyone. I have been misunderstood because I don't attend a lot of activities outside the home. We must remember that others are in completely different situations than we are, even if we have been in one quite similar. We may have strengths, gifts, abilities, and energy levels that others may not have.
**Don’t make light of or dismiss their feelings and longings for a spouse. Often a single parent longs for a spouse, but are told that a man/woman cannot meet all their needs. (They are told this by married people who have never been in their shoes.) Nobody can meet every need, but everyone craves friendships and most people deeply desire a spouse. We were created to need other human relationships. There is a place in our heart that only a spouse can meet. GOD HIMSELF designed it that way! Please don’t make light of their heart’s cry. It can be the worst anguish of all.
You cannot imagine how much you’ll bless a single mother and her children until you get to Heaven! Believe me, God will richly multiply your blessings. Matthew 25:40 says "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." This is Kingdom work that will last for eternity, and that will bless generations to come-- simply by insuring that a godly mother stays in her home when the odds are against her. If you doubt the value of a godly mother, remember Susanna Wesley. Without her, we would not have had two of the greatest Christian leaders of all time-- John and Charles Wesley.
To those dear ones who have shown my family God’s love over these years, I humbly and deeply thank you. God will multiply your gifts many times over.

(The above article was originally published in The Women of Simplicity Companion Magazine. It is being updated occasionally as needed.)

Note from Mrs. B--I obtained permission from Janet to post her article. Please do the same before posting it on your own blog. (o:

"The Day God Spilled The Paint"

2006-04-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Someone e-mailed this picture to me and I just had to share it.....it's just so amazing! Click on the picture to enlarge and it'll be even more breath-taking.

The east side of the Carrizo plain, in the Temblor Range, about 50 miles due west of Bakersfield , California .

The Day GOD SPILLED THE PAINT!

When Queens Ride By

2006-04-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

"John and Jennie Mangrave had eager plans when they married and took over the old farm. But their great faith dwindled as the first years passed. John worked later and later in the evenings. Jennie took more and more of the heavy tasks upon her own shoulders and had no time for the home and children. They were no further on, and life had degenerated into a straining, hopeless struggle."

The first time I read this it made a big impact on me....and every time I reread it I glean something else.

To read the rest of the story, go here.

ICK!!!!

2006-04-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here is another reason to either homeschool or have your kids in Christian school.

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus." ~Revelation 22:20b

Murphy's Oil Soap

2006-04-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

O.K........I'm in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, with Murphy's Oil Soap!!

How come I had to wait until I was 37 years old to know about this wonderful product?! Mrs. Wilt asked on this post about cleaning hardwood floors and one of her commenters talked about Murphy's Oil Soap so I bought some. My kitchen cabinets look GREAT!! And so do my baseboards, walls, and painted furniture. And the smell.........oh my.....if they bottled it as perfume, I'd wear it!! (o;

So I just wanted to let you know in case, like me, you weren't aware of this wonderful elixir.....after you're done cleaning, your house (and hands) have the most lovely, clean smell.

Our Friendship -Mrs. B and Mrs. R

2006-04-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mrs. B and I (Mrs. R) have been friends for almost 4 years now. I met Mrs. B when my husband (fiancé at the time) and I began attending the church that Mrs. B and her husband attended. We were attracted to each other pretty quickly because we had so much in common. We both love to read, we both enjoy discussing Biblical topics, and we both have very similar Biblical convictions.

Through the last four years our friendship has endured, even though we haven’t lived in the same state for three of the four years. The key to our long distance friendship is communication. We e-mail daily and we talk on the phone once a week.

Also, we are very respectful of each other’s schedule. We don’t even live in the same time zone, but we find a good time to talk. We talk when our husbands are at work, so that we don’t cut in on each other’s hubby time.

When we talk we try to stay positive with our conversations. We try and steer clear of gossip. We speak positively about our husbands and we don’t discuss every little detail of our marriage.

It is a very good friendship that has grown through the many events in our lives. I am very thankful for my good friend, Mrs. B.

Mrs. B~

I've always been the kind of person that has treasured my friendships. I don't take my friendships lightly and I don't have tons of friends. Oh, I have quite a few people that I like, love, care about, and would do anything for......but I like having just a few close friends. And Mrs. R is one of those few, cherished friends.

Mrs. R and I (Mrs. B) have seen a lot of changes in each other's lives in the four years of our friendship....one of those things being my husband's job change and us moving to a different state. And as she mentioned above, our friendship has endured and I think is even stronger now than ever. I've seen us both do a lot of growing up in the last 4 years and I think that is a big key......we both grew.

One of the things that Mrs. R did for me that I'll never forget is......when my husband and I moved, we had to move into a hotel, to live, for 2 1/2 months....with 2 large dogs. That was a scary thing for me......new job, moving to a state where we knew NOONE, the hotel being an hour away from where my husband's job was, so I was alone for much of the day, and pretty much being confined to the hotel room all day. Oh and I forgot to mention, all of our belongings were being stored by the moving company so I had no access to e-mail except the few times we could go to Kinkos.

We had pre-arranged to have a P.O. box so that our mail would be forwarded and when we arrived on our first day into the city we checked our P.O. box and what was waiting for me?.....a card/letter from Mrs. R! It just brightened my whole day and I remember feeling like 'This is going to be o.k.' But that's not all....she faithfully wrote to me at least once aweek and a lot of times twice a week. We became penpals. I still have every letter she wrote. I would read them over and over and it helped me to remember that even though I didn't know anyone, I still had my best friend who cared about me, missed me and wanted to keep in touch with me.

Mrs. R doesn't have the time to have her own blog but she graciously helps me with mine. If she didn't talk me through it, over the phone, I still wouldn't know how to add links to my side bar. (o; She reassured me that 'Yes, I could figure out the 'techie' stuff" and "Yes, I'll be able to think of enough stuff to write about." She is a constant source of sincere encouragement to me.

My ideas of what makes a 'true friend' have changed (and hopefully matured) over the years. Reading 'Are You Serious About Marriage', the book I posted about earlier in the week helped me to see some of my faulty thinking about friendship. I used to think that you had to tell each other 'everything' and be together quite a bit but that has not proven to be the case. Mrs. R and I have spent more of our friendship living far away from each other than we have living close, so we don't get to spend much time together. I think the distance enables us to share but not intrude. We are a part of each other's lives but we both believe and know that God and our families come before anything else. Sometimes in this modern day and age I think we have a tendancy to reveal too much and are too intertwined in each other's lives. To quote 'Are You Serious About Marriage?' Mrs. Zakula says "We have so much free time in our generation. In previous eras, women were forced to be more focused on their families. If a woman did not work morning and night, there were not clothes for the family and food to eat. Husbands were working morning and night to bring in what little monies they could. Husbands and wives were fulfilled in each other in their mutual effort to bear and rear children, and provide shelter and food. Fellowship with other women, except for wealthy folk, was pretty much limited to Sunday church or an occasional visit."

Please don't misunderstand. I'm not saying it's wrong to have friends or spend time with them. But we must be very careful that we don't neglect our families for friends and 'personal fulfillment'. I've had some unhealthy friendships in the past.......friendships where my priorities were wrong and gossip took place. Mercifully, God removed us from each other's lives.

I'm so thankful for my friendship with Mrs. R!

I'm also so thankful for my new blog friends. It's so wonderful to communicate with such like-minded sisters in Christ. (o:

My New Outfit

2006-04-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of an outfit I just ordered. To see it closer and to see where I got it go here. I also ordered some pink shoes to go with it. I have to buy most of my clothes on-line because I am plus size. And because I live in a very small town with very little shopping options available. I praise the Lord for the internet so that I don't have to walk around naked! (o;

The Folded Napkin

2006-04-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

I heard an Evangelist preach a sermon on this once, a long time ago, and while getting ready today God brought it to my mind again. John 20:1-7 is where it is in the Bible but I'm especially referring to verse 7 which says "And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself." The napkin was not just laying there with the discarded grave clothes......it was separated from the grave clothes and folded neatly.

God doesn't just put things in the Bible for no reason, which means this action has significance. But what is it? Well, to understand it more fully you have to go back to the Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and the Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was set perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare to touch the table until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table because in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm done". But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, "I'm not finished yet." The folded napkin meant, "I'm coming back!"

Imagine the despair the disciples were going through. They had seen miracle after miracle and even when Jesus tried to explain to them that He was going to die but He would be coming back (John 16:16), they still didn't understand (John 16:17). So when they watched them crucify Him it really shook their faith. Then after 3 days, they saw an empty tomb. Not only did they see an empty tomb, but they saw a folded napkin in that empty tomb! I'm speculating here, but as my Preacher says, 'Let's use our sanctified imaginations'. I really think that when they saw that folded napkin God spoke to their hearts and said, "He's not finished yet, He's coming back!" I think that even before He appeared to them the folded napkin brought to them, a little glimmer of hope. I think they understood that the folded napkin meant something.....after all, they were all Hebrews and undoubtedly knew the tradition. I believe that was their first clue that He was coming back....and He did. Jesus appeared to all of the disciples and more than 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Praise the Lord! I also believe that the folded napkin has significance for us today. I believe a correct application can also be made that He is coming back for his own (the saved) someday.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
~~1 Thessalonians 4:16-18~~

I heard a sermon on this subject preached several years ago but I wanted to review some of the facts of the Hebrew tradition so I used this site to refresh my memory.

The Tea Pot

2006-04-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially tea pots. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful tea pot. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea pot spoke. "You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a tea pot. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out,'let me alone', but he only smiled, 'Not yet'."

"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the tea pot said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. 'Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!' I screamed". But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'

Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, 'Not yet.'

Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'

Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself. And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.'

"I want you to remember then", he said, "I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up.

I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.

I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

MORAL:

God knows what He's doing (for all of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

".....Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" ~Isaiah 45:9~

I read this at Mom of 9's place.

Has he Succeeded?

2006-04-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming and intimate, abiding relationship with Christ. However, if they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So...... let them go to their churches, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but STEAL THEIR TIME so they can't gain that close relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels......Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!!!!"

"How shall we do this?" shouted the angels?

"Keep them busy in the NON-ESSENTIALS of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND and BORROW, BORROW, BORROW. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their EMPTY lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments soon their home life will offer no escape from the pressures of work!! Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that STILL, SMALL VOICE."

"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CD'S and their PC's going CONSTANTLY in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays un-Biblical music, constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and FALSE HOPES. Constantly have 'beautiful' perfect-looking people on the convers of magazines and on TV so that they will become dissatisfied with their spouse because they think EXTERNAL beauty is what's REALLY important. That will fragment those families QUICKLY!!"

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders. Send them to AMUSEMENT PARKS, SPORTING EVENTS, CONCERTS, and MOVIES instead. Keep them BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions."

"Go ahead, let them be involved with soul-winning; but crowd their minds with so many GOOD CAUSES that they have no time to seek power from Jesus, through prayer. Soon they will be working in their OWN strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. IT WILL WORK! IT WILL WORK!"

It was quite a convention. The evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get more BUSY and more RUSHED going here and there. I guess the question is: HAS THE DEVIL BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT HIS SCHEME?

You be the judge.......

~~Author Unknown~~

Home-Sweet-Home Meme

2006-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

What is your favourite room in your home? Why? What is it like?

*This is hard because I really like all of our home.....but I'd have to answer our living room. We bought a brand new red leather sofa and 2 chairs that coordinate with the sofa (we had the chairs upolstered with fabric that we chose). The room has a book case that my grandfather made for my grand mother out of real cherry wood and in the corner on a big easel is a needle point taken from the famous painting 'A Young Girl Reading' (you can see this at the Ladies Against Feminism site in their header). I watched my grandmother make it when I was a young girl....I treasure it and it is BEAUTIFUL!! The walls are a rich, golden yellow which plays nicely off of the red accents. We also have my childhood piano in there (even though I don't really play). I also love our dining room. We recently bought a beautiful new dining table and chairs and I love the crystal chandelier that I bought on-line. The dining room is the first thing you see when you walk into our home.

What is your least favourite room in your home? Why? Can you bear to share?

*Our upstairs bathroom. Our house was built in 1963 and the wallpaper is the original wallpaper. Our bathtub, sink and toilet are blue.....once we change those things it will be nice.

In which room do you spend most time? Why?

*Since starting my blog, that would be the upstairs bedroom/office! LOL Honestly, we use all of our house. Our home is a tri-level that's about 2300 square feet and we use all of it!

Which room do you try to avoid? Why?

*There isn't one.......decorating is a process and I decided long ago that I wasn't going to only like the 'perfectly decorated' rooms in our home.

What was the last thing you bought for your home?

*A lovely towel set for our downstairs bathroom. Some pictures for the same bathroom. Then I used a small, old round table that was in my grandmother's house, in a corner. Then I put some silk, purple hydrangeas in a vase with marbles and a candle and some potpourri on the table. My husband said that when I was done that the room was transformed.....which made me glow! (o:

What was the last thing you made for your home?

*I don't sew but I'm pretty good at figuring out other uses for items, instead of what they're intended for.

Name one pet hate that you think makes for a less sweet home.

*Papers everywhere and things that are not put away.

Specify one quick tip for a home sweeter home!

*Be satisfied with where you're at in life. Everything in your home may not be 'ideal' but it's your lovely spirit that makes it 'home' for your family. Beautiful decor without a lovely spirit is dry and stilted.....and it just sucks the beauty right out of your home.

I tag anyone willing to post in the comments section or with a link to her own blog! :o)

Hat tip: Mrs. Wilt

The B-I-B-L-E Yes, that's the book for me!

2006-03-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

A Guest Post By Mrs. R:

I wanted to share some ideas to jam-pack your day full of God’s word.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

~Listen to the Bible on CD/cassette in the car.

~Watch the Bible on DVD. I do enjoy my KJV on DVD. At around $30 for the entire Bible this is a deal. My Bible on CD cost around $80. And the DVD Bible is only 2 DVD’s .

Check it out at http://www.biblesondvd.com/ .

~Listen to the Bible on CD or cassette in the kitchen.

~Write verses on notecards and keep the notecards in your purse. When you are in line somewhere take a card out and work on memorizing a verse.

~ Have the kids read the Bible to you.

~ Keep a Bible in the bathroom.

~ Post scriptures around the house.
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly........"

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines 'dwell' as:

DWELL, v.i. pret. dwelled, usually contracted into dwelt. [See Dally.]

1. To abide as a permanent resident, or to inhabit for a time; to live in a place; to have a habitation for some time or permanence.

I would love to hear how you incorporate Bible reading and memorization into your daily life.

Bible Prophecy

2006-03-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

I received a request from Anonymous in the comments of this post asking me to give examples of some prophecies that have come true. Since my 4 most recent posts were quite time consuming, I decided to provide links instead of typing it all out myself. The links provide the MANY examples of fulfilled prophecies....ones from Bible times and even Bible prophecy that is being fulfilled now. This should give you much to think about and is sufficient proof to my claim that fulfilled prophecy is one of the 5 ways we can know the Bible is true.

This link talks about Bible prophecies that are being filled today.
This link talks about fulfilled prophecies.
This link talks about 'How do we know the Bible is true?'
This link shows how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament Prophecies.
This link talks about the prophecies in the book of Daniel---the 70 weeks.
This link talks even more about prophecies.

Part 3--The Conclusion "But I'm A Good Person!"

2006-03-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

In response to a comment left about my post on Chick tracts, I started a 3 part series on Hell. You can read part 1 here, and you can read part 2 here. This will be the 3rd and final post.

I've enjoyed doing the research for these posts because I've delved deeply into my Bible and it made me examine my beliefs which confirmed to me that what I believe is true. But I must say I have not enjoyed the subject matter at all! I wish I NEVER had to talk about hell and I wish it wasn't a real place. I'm just like anyone else in that I don't enjoy offending people or making people uncomfortable or angry. I want you to know that I'm not arguing just to argue......or to 'be right' or to try and 'win'......no, in fact I wish I were wrong.....I would gladly be wrong, but unfortunately.......I'm not.

What I want to focus on now is the often used arguements "But I'm a good person!" or "I've done more bad than good, so God will let me into heaven because of that."

Let's examine how 'good' we really are by taking a look at the Ten Commandments....they're found in Exodus 20:

1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.

4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5) Honour thy father and thy mother.
6) Thou shalt not kill. (Jesus said Matthew 5:21-22 that being angry w/o cause incurs the same penalty as if you killed them. In other words, you are guilty of murder just for being angry without a just reason)

7) Thou shalt not commit adultry. (In Matthew 5:28, Jesus explains that even lusting after someone is committing adultry in your heart)

8) Thou shalt not steal.

9) Thou shalt not bear false witness.

10) Thou shalt not covet.

The Bible says in Galatians 3:24 that the law is our 'schoolmaster'. It's what shows or 'schools' us about how we can't measure up to a Holy and Righteous God. (Thankfully Galatians 3:13 says that "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:....")

When I look at the 10 Commandments I see that I'm guilty of most of them. No, I haven't killed anyone but I have been angry or hated someone. I would venture to say that most of you who are reading this could find at least ONE of the commandments that you've broken.....and maybe you can even try and rationalize it by saying 'it isn't so bad.' But God thinks differently.

The Bible says in James 2:10 "For whosover shall keep the whole law(which is impossible), and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Breaking even ONE of the commandments makes you guilty of breaking ALL of them.

Commandment #1 talks about not putting anything before God. --If you've done that, what does that make you? The answer is AN IDOLITOR.

Commandment #7 talks about not committing adultry(but as I've shown you, Jesus said even looking with lust at someone who's not your spouse makes you guilty of adultry). --If you've done this, what does that make you? The answer is AN ADULTERER.

Commandment #8 talks about not stealing. --If you've stolen anything(even as a child), what does that make you? The answer is A THIEF.

Commandment #9 talks about not lying. --If you've told a lie(yes even a little 'white lie'), what does that make you? The answer is A LIAR.

By your own admission (if you're completely honest with yourself), you're an idol worshipping, adulterer at heart, thieving, liar.

I think the 10 commandments pretty much blows the 'I'm a good person' argument out of the water.....because remember even if you've only broken ONE of them, you're guilty of breaking them all. And let's be honest, I don't know ANYONE who's NEVER told a lie, do you?

***Now, lest you get upset and think that I'm judging you, remember, I didn't make the 10 commandments, God did. And I didn't write the Bible, God did.......and I failed this test just as miserably as you did.......I've broken most of the commandments, so I have no lofty ideals about being better than anyone because I know that I am NOT better than ANYONE! Like Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:15, I know that I am one of the 'chief' sinners. I also believe Galatians 6:14 pertains to me "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,....."

I hope that you are now concerned and see that compared to God's standard, NOONE is 'good enough'. Just in case you aren't convinced, here are a few more verses:

**"But we are ALL as an unclean thing, and ALL our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6)

**"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10)

**"For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)

I think these verses make it very clear that NOONE is 'good enough' to make it to heaven without the blood of Jesus to cover their sin.

But what about the argument that 'God will weigh our good and bad deeds and if the good outweighs the bad then He'll let you into heaven'.?

I think all of the above examples show that because of the Holiness, and Righteousness of God that He cannot allow sin into His presence.....not even one, small sin. And Galatians 2:16 says:

**"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law, no flesh be justified."

**"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5)

**"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Let me ask you another question? If being a 'good person' could save us, then why did Jesus need to die?

**".....for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)

I mean, why would Jesus Christ need to leave the glory of heaven and come to earth to die a painful and humiliating death if being a 'good person' could get us to heaven?

The answer is simple. Good works will not and cannot justify us to God. We cannot be good enough!

Let's consider something for a moment......God is a JUST and FAIR God. And because He's Just, He demands justice. On earth, when we look for justice, we go to a courtroom and have a trial. Let's pretend and say that we're in a courtroom and the defendent is guilty of (whatever you want to imagine). The Judge has no choice but to put the defendent in jail in the interest of justice. But what if the Judge said 'Well the defendent is a 'good person', so even though they've committed this crime, I'll just let is slide and they can go free.' Would that be just and fair? Would justice have been served? NO!!! It doesn't matter how 'good' or 'nice' the defendent is, if they've committed a crime, there must be a penalty.

It's the same for us, we're guilty and deserve to be punished but instead, God (The Divine Judge) made a way for us to have our debt or penalty for our crime, paid for. He did it by sending Jesus to die on the cross. Jesus's death on the cross satisfied the justice demanded by God.

I'd like to end this by saying that God DOES LOVE YOU!!! He gave His only Begotten Son for you.....knowing that many would reject His gift. God said in 2 Peter 3:9 that He is "not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentence."

**"For WHOSOEVER shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

God made a way for ANY and ALL and WHOSOEVER.....that's all-inclusive. But it is done HIS way, on HIS terms.

I've really enjoyed writing these posts and I thank everyone for your wonderful comments (yes even those who disagree). Without you all, blogging would be very boring.

**Writing these posts took a long time but I will try and get to the prophecy post that anonymous asked for sometime tomorrow......I'm not promising but I'll do my best! (o:

Christianity-Substance and Evidence

2006-03-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

Christianity has much evidence to back up it's claims. One thing I like to talk about is 5 reasons I know the Bible is true:

1)Prophesy-there are over 7,000 and 80% have already come true.

2)Archeology-nothing has been dug out of the ground that disproves the Bible

3)Preservation-satan has tried to destroy the Bible NUMEROUS times and yet it's still around and has been for 1,000's of years

4)Historocity-history proves it!

5)What the Bible has done in my own personal life!

God wouldn't create us and then just leave us to 'figure it all out for ourselves'. He left us an instruction book---the Bible.

**The Bible records that Jesus was seen by over 500 people after His resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

**Jesus, Himself, claimed to be God .....NOT just a prophet or a good man.

**The bottom line is that you can't be neutral about Jesus. You must either believe that He's the Lord, or a lunatic or a liar.

I **KNOW** He's the LORD!

Part 2-Why Talk About Hell?

2006-03-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Something I've often heard people say when I've been out witnessing is "My god is a loving god who would never send anyone to hell." My response to them is, "Then your god is not the True God, of the Bible, but a false god." Truth isn't always pleasant to hear but it is necessary.

The Bible says in (Jude 22-23) "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;......"

Did you know that Jesus spoke more about hell than He did about heaven?

**"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:42)

**"And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:50)

**"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" (Matthew 25:41)

**"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:46)

Modern-day Christianity has watered down the gospel and presented only half of the truth. The reason I like Chick tracts is that they present the WHOLE gospel....not just the 'Jesus loves you' part. Hell is real! and it's FOREVER!! I don't want ANYBODY to go there, so that's why I warn them. Like Mrs. R said in her comment on my last post, if there was a bridge that was out and I warn people about it, it doesn't make me 'unloving' or 'intolerant'. The people who DON'T warn you about it are the ones who are being unloving. I agree that talking about heaven and the love of God is much more pleasant but that's only half of the gospel message.

Fearing God is the sign of an intelligent and wise person:

**"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

**"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

**"The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."

**"And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:" (Hebrews 9:27)

The good news is that:

** "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
God doesn't want ANYONE to end up in hell but He gave us a free will. We must choose Him....and it's His way because He's God and He can do anything He wants, any way He wants to.

Hell was not originally created for man. God created hell for the devil and his demons but because of sin, the Bible says in Isaiah 5:14 that "Therefore hell hath enlarged herself,...." Hell had to be made larger to accomodate the growing number of people who reject the Saviour and therefore choose to go there. Yes, I said choose. It is a choice....a concious choice to reject God's provision and pridefully believe that you can be 'good enough' to get there.

**"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,(hell) and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,(heaven) and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

God knows that many people will willfully CHOOSE to reject His provision. It seems that mankind wants to devise any other scheme, except the Biblical one, to get to heaven.

-Muhammad and Buddha didn't die for your sins......but Jesus did!
-Muhammad and Buddha are still in the grave.......but Jesus arose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

**"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

Here is an analogy I like to use. If you went to the doctor and he/she told you that you had cancer you wouldn't call him/her intollerant or think that the doctor was unloving because they told you an unpleasant truth......it's the same with the truth about hell only the news is better because there is a cure that is 100% effective. Placing your trust in Jesus Christ, repenting of your sin and asking Him to save you will keep you from ever having to experience hell.

I will finish up part 3 tomorrow. Part 3 will be about why 'being a good person' and doing 'good works' will not get a person to heaven.

Part 1--An Apology

2006-03-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

The idea for these next couple of posts came from a comment left by my friend, 'The Happy Feminist' in response to my Chick tract post. Here is her comment:

"Hmmmm . . . The Chick tracts are certainly very honest and don't pull any punches. But as a non-Christian, I have to confess my doubts as to whether the Chick tracts would be an effective way to get the message across . Of course, they did work in the case of that woman at the Chinese restaurant, so what do I know?

(Especially this part of her comment)

But they seem kind of scary and cruel. They focus more on the punitive aspects of conservative Christian belief, rather than the redemptive aspects. I would have a tough time worshipping a God who would cast people I know and love into a lake of fire. I realize that it's good to be honest about what you believe, but it seems as though focus on the positive would be a better first step. (Mrs. B, please let me know if I am being too contrarian for your blog.) "

First, I want to start by saying to The Happy Feminist, no, your comment was not offensive to me in any way nor was it too contrarian. I'm glad you voiced your concerns and I thank you for doing so in such a kind and respectful way.

Before I get into what I want to say, I wanted to share this letter. I read it about a month ago and really liked most of it......I've edited it (I didn't add anything but I took quite a bit out) but if you'd like to read it in it's entirety, click here. It was written by a man named Doug Perry.

Disclaimer: I know nothing about this man's ministry and linking to this letter is not an endorsement of him or of his beliefs....I liked most of the letter and want to give credit where credit is due, that's why I provided the link.

Open Letter of Apology to The World

I know you think that Christians are a big bunch of hypocrites. We say we're more "religious" and we're going to heaven and you're not, and then we drive our big shiny cars with little fishies on the trunk and cut you off in traffic as we race by the homeless guy on the corner. We average just 2% of our money to church and charity, despite that we say the Bible is the word of God and it says we're supposed to give everything. On average, we buy just as many big screen TVs and bass boats and fur coats and makeup and baseball cards and online porn as anybody else. Maybe more. You've seen leader after leader end up in jail or court or a sex scandal of one sort or another.

Well ... you're right. We're guilty of all of it. We've done it all. And, I'm really sorry.
You see our cheesy TV shows and slick guys begging for money and you get that there's something seriously sneaky and wrong here. A high-pressure call for money so they can stay on the air? Were we supposed to use Jesus as just another form of entertainment? Who do we think we're kidding? Where's Jesus in all this? Aren't we supposed to rely on him? Isn't He going to meet our needs if we're inside His will?

What happened to sacrifice and suffering and helping the poor? I'm just sick about this. I mean, the church leaders, they're not all bad guys, there are lots and lots of really hard-working well-meaning folks who love and care and are meeting real needs in the community. Some of them understand and love Jesus - but I'm just real sure those pastors don't drive Bentley's, have multi-million dollar homes and their own lear jets! I mean, what "god" are we worshipping? Money? Ego? Power?

We've got playgrounds and bowling alleys and basketball leagues. We've got Starbucks coffee in the sanctuary. We've got orchestras and giant chandeliers and fountains out front. We've got bookstores full of "jesus junk" with every imaginable style and flavor of religious knick-knack. But where's Jesus? Is this what HE wanted?

Look, I know you're mad. And you have a right to be. We've done you wrong for a LONG time now. There's some things about Jesus that people need to hear, but we've buried a beautiful masterpiece under hundreds of layers of soft pink latex paint. If you have a Bible handy, look up Matthew 23. Find it? Read it carefully, the Pharisees were the "religious" people of the day, the leaders of the faith. In this chapter Jesus SEVEN times says how pitiful and wretched and cursed they are for what they're doing to the people they're supposed to be leading. He even calls them "white washed tombs of dead mens bones" and a "brood of vipers"! I don't have time here, but read it and see if we're not doing EVERY single one of those things. Jesus can't possibly be happy about what we've done to you.
Sure, we like to kid ourselves and pretend everything is OK - but it's not. We're hated. Now, please understand, Jesus was hated, too. But that was because he said hard things and sometimes people don't like hearing the Truth. And he promised we would be hated if we were like him. But that's not why we're hated at the moment. We're hated right now because we're a giant pack of lying hypocrites that say one thing and do something else altogether. If we were hated because we were like Jesus, that would be one thing, but that's not it at all. You see right through our happy music and fluffy services and you can tell there's something desperately wrong here. We're no different than anybody else - except that we say we're better than you.

It was never supposed to be like this. Jesus asked us to care for the widows and orphans, to feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit those in prison, reach the lost. He wanted us to love our enemies and pray for them. He cared about human justice and suffering, the lost and lonely. But I don't think He would have marched on a picket line - He had His mind on much bigger problems. He wanted us to focus on the eternal things, not the everyday. He never once said to go into all the world and build big buildings and divide up into factions and buy Bentleys. Just the opposite! I get that you're mad at us and I think you have a right to be, but please understand, you're mad at what we've made under our own power, you're mad at "Churchianity." That's different than Christ and what he wanted. Don't be mad at Jesus! This mess wasn't His idea!

Look, I'm really sorry. I accept responsibility for my part in having hurt you. But I'm committing to you all, dear Members of the World, that I'm not going to do it any more. Not a single penny more. I'm not going to put my faith in "Churchianity" or any leader or program or TV show -- but in Christ Jesus and His salvation.

It took centuries to build this monster, so it's not like it's going to just turn around overnight. But the times are changing and we're way overdue for something new. Big bad things are happening - like the tsunami in Asia - and I think more are coming. I don't want any more time to go by without having said this. I'm sorry for all the time and money I've wasted. But Jesus saves. Really. Jesus is the real deal. He lived and He died for my sins and He rose again. He is who He said He was and He cares about me - and you. He's our only hope.

Please don't think all Christians are just posers. Some of them really mean it when they say they belong to Christ. The problem is mostly in the West where we're all comfy and complacent and seem to like it that way. The Christians in China and other places are deadly serious. There's no room for anything but Jesus when you're on the run from the government. They are dying every day for their faith and doing crazy-hard things because they're absolutely committed to Christ. These are martyrs. People willing to crucify little pieces of themselves every day to be more like Christ. People willing to set aside everything they want to do what Christ wants. People willing to rot in prison or take a beating or die if that's what it's going to take. People that act in pure love and never back down. I'm not worthy to tie their shoes. And there are some like that here, too, and I hope we can get a lot more people to start living that way. It's way overdue.
If you're talking to someone and they tell you they're a Christian, ask them if they're the kind of Christian that really means it all the time or the kind that just means it on Sunday. The Bible says we'll know them by their "fruits" - by the faith and purity and love in their deeds and words. When you find one that proves Christ is in them by how much they love you, ask them to tell you all about Jesus. If you know one of those fearless martyrs that speaks nothing but pure, clean, hard Truth - ask lots of questions. Truth is a lot more rare than you would think. But don't settle for soft, fluffy and comfortable anymore - that's not in the Bible."

written by: Doug Perry

I edited quite a bit out (but I didn't add anything) because I didn't agree with all of it....but I liked the gist of it. I would also like to add some things.

An apology because modern-day Christians have sugar-coated Christianity to try and talk people into 'accepting Jesus as their Saviour'......to make 'accepting Jesus' more palatable. I think, for the most part, our intentions were good but the results have been disasterous. We (Christians) have presented only a part of who God and Jesus are. Yes, God and Jesus are love but not the mushy, gushy, warm-fuzzy type of feelings that we, humans, have tried to call 'love'. God showed His love to the world through the sacrifice of His Holy, Righteous, Sinless Son.

**1 John 4:9-10 "In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (emphasis mine)

**John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (emphasis mine)

God didn't sacrifice His Son because He had a 'warm-fuzzy' feeling towards us....He did it to provide for us a way to be able to live with Him forever. God is holy and righteous and cannot be in the presence of sin.....EVER.

I plan on posting part 2 of this tomorrow (Tuesday).

Things Aren't Always As They Appear

2006-03-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Another funny that a friend forwarded to me. I liked it because it was humerous and also because it teaches the truth that 'things aren't always as they appear, so don't be too quick to judge'.

Flying Blind?
A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane stopped in Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.
Everybody got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind. The man had noticed him as he walked by, and could tell the gentleman was blind because his seeing eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of him throughout the entire flight. He could also tell he had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached him, and calling him by name, said, "Keith, we're in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind man replied, "No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs."
Picture this: All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!
Remember, things aren't always as they appear. (o:

Chick Tracts

2006-03-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to use Chick tracts for witnessing because I think they're more interesting than the regular tracts that only have words on them. Chick tracts come in all different languages. I carry English, Spanish, and Chinese because those are the types of restaurants that we frequent. Since it's just the two of us, Mr. Wonderful and I like to eat out quite a bit so we use our meal out as a non-confrontational witnessing opportunity. We leave a Chick tract with our tip--and please be generous when you tip because it's a poor Christian testimony to be hard to please or to leave a stingy tip. I also leave them in public restrooms and laundromats. I've even left one at a self-serve car wash......I weighted it down with enough quarters for one wash. There are tons of places that you can leave them if you think creatively about it. Don't let anyone tell you that 'tracts don't work anymore' because I KNOW for a fact that they do!

In the last state we lived in, there was a certain chinese restaurant that we used to frequent.....there were times that we were in there once a week. The owners and staff didn't speak English very well and I don't speak Chinese at all so, even though it was a buffet, we still left a tip so that we could leave a tract(in Chinese, click here to see it for yourself). Well, the next time we came back, the lady(named Helen) told me in broken English "That she had read the little book and ask Jesus as Saviour" I was so thrilled! Because of the Chick tract the language difference wasn't a barrier and now we're sisters in Christ. I went on-line and bought her a Chinese Bible and gave it to her the next time we went there to eat. That story thrills me every time I think about it!

I really think people appreciate the fact that you care enough about them to a) tell them about Christ and b) Give them something in their own language. Very few people refuse to take the tract and it's a way that I can be a witness without being offensive or when I don't have time to get into a conversation, or I don't speak their language.

Some people are great at witnessing in a confrontational way, but I'm not one of them, so tracts are a way to fulfill the command to share the gospel. I'm not commanded to make sure they receive Christ but I am commanded to share my faith.....the results I leave up to God.

Here are some of my favourite Chick tracts, click on the links and you can read them for yourself. (and boy did it take a long time to do all of those links! LOL)
**This Was Your Life
**Flight 144
**Busted!
**The Outcast
**A Demon's Nightmare
**Somebody Goofed
**The Empty Tomb
**Greatest Story Ever Told
**Holy Joe
**Hi There!
**War Zone
**The Accident
**Love The Jewish People
**Murph
**Best Friend (great for children)
**The Visitors

It's Friday and I Feel Better----YEA!!!

2006-03-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Whew......this has been a long couple of weeks for me. I have had this flu or whatever it is that's been going around and it has taken me 12 days before I began to feel somewhat normal again. Other than a runny nose and a slight cough, I'm much better; however, my house is in terrible shape, so that's what I've been spending the last couple of days doing. While sick, I kept up with the bare minimum such as laundry, loading the dishwasher and emptying it but other than that, I wasn't able to do much else. I'm on day 14 of this and I've been told that it takes about 3-4 weeks for the cough to totally go away. I tell you what, I'm thankful for an over-the-counter product called 'Mucinex' because if I hadn't taken it, I think I would have ended up with pneumonia.

I am so thankful for my WONDERFUL husband because he's taken such good care of me even though he often works long hours......although I bet he's glad to get back to me cooking meals instead of buying convenience foods. I haven't been this sick in years! On top of which we have been hooking into the city sewer lines this week so our back yard has been a mess and part of the fence was taken down......we have 3 large dogs (whom we adore!) and let me tell you, walking 3 dogs on a leash several times a day, while sick, is NOT my idea of a good time! Thankfully they're done and the fence is back up....of course the back yard is full of mud so everytime the dogs go out their feet are covered in mud. Oh well......at least it's all done and the fence is back up and.....did I mention that I'm finally feeling better?! (o;

Anyway, I'm so glad it's Friday because Mr. Wonderful and I will get to spend some time together. I'm making stuffed shells for dinner and trying to get the house all shiny and clean so that we can enjoy it together this weekend......I can't wait!! *sigh*

FUNNY! (o: (o: (o:

2006-03-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

A friend e-mailed this to me and I thought it was hilarious. (o;

In the year 2006, the Lord came to Noah, who was now living in the United States and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-polluted, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."He gave Noah the blueprints saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.

"Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard-but no Ark.
"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me Lord," begged Noah, "But things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I have violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building an Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees, in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls-but no go! When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were to restrictive, and I was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space as this. Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they conducted an environmental-impact study on Your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commissionon about how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization is checking the green-card status of most of the people that want to work. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire onlyUnion Workers with Ark building experience. To make matters worse the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally, with endangered species. So forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, " You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

Around the Blogosphere

2006-03-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

**At The Sparrow's Nest, check out why Mrs. Wilt's family will be homeschooling their children even though she used to be a public school teacher.

**At Lady of Blessings, check out her post on what Queen Victoria thought about feminism.

**At Unfolding Moments, Erin poses a very interesting question in her post entitled 'Culture'.

**At A Daughter At Home, Olivia posted about the benefits of being a stay at home daughter in her post entitled. 'I've Missed Out.' She just wrote a post entitled 'Grey Areas' which I'm off to read right now.

My Salvation Testimony

2006-03-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

I was not raised in a Christian home, and my parents were divorced when I was about 9 years old. But one thing I remember quite clearly is something my Dad told me…..he said “Always talk to God because He loves you and He will listen to you.” So I always did. I always believed in God and that Jesus was God’s Son but I was not saved until much later in my life. What’s even more amazing about what my Dad told me was, at the time he told me that, he wasn’t a saved man either. But my Dad had grandparents that he spent time with, in the summers of his childhood, and they were christians and told him about God and Jesus. My Dad received Christ as his Saviour when he was around 40 years old and he has told me that he is so thankful that he survived Vietnam and a myriad of other events in his life because, now being a saved man and older and wiser, he can see how easily he could have died….and then gone to hell…..for eternity. He is thankful for the protection and mercy of God in his life.
My Mom is not saved. I have witnessed to my Mom and was told by her not to do so anymore......so I respect her wishes and don’t. God showed me that He doesn’t force anyone to accept Him so I shouldn’t either. He showed me that I am responsible for sharing the Gospel, not whether the person accepts it or not. I love my Mom very much and I pray for her and hope she will accept Jesus as her Saviour before it’s too late.
I was saved from the penalty of my sin on April 4, 1993. Before then, I had made a profession of Christ (sometime around 1988) but there was never a change in my life. During my first profession, I went forward at an invitation, they showed me verses from the Bible and asked me some questions. I must have answered correctly because they wrote my name down and told me to come back next week for Baptism. I did get Baptized, but that time all I got was wet.

My wonderful husband and I got married in December of 1991 and in January of 1993 we started attending an Independent Baptist Church. We sat through sermons from the Bible and my heart was stirred. I LOVED hearing the sermons, but during the invitation time I felt anxious. I kept telling myself that I was saved…I mean I had made it public and been baptized and everything. Then I talked to the Pastor’s wife and she told me that she had made a profession of faith as a child but in her early 20’s she was unsure of her salvation so she made sure. I had never heard of that before but I thought about it for a while and after white-knuckling it through the invitations for a couple of months, I decided to quit fighting it and go forward and get saved. That time was sooooo different! I know we don’t base our salvation on ‘feelings’ but I remember feeling like 'Christian' did in the book “The Pilgrim’s Progress”…like my burden had been taken off of my back and I felt so light and free and clean! Then my main focus became wanting to learn about God and read His Word. I threw out most of my books and music and movies and my Pastor’s wife helped me to replace them with books and music that would please God. I truly believe that I was not saved during my first profession. The Scriptures that convinced me were “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble”. (James 2:19) I mean just ‘believing’ wasn’t enough because devils believe and they aren’t saved. The other Scripture that convinced me was “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Those are the two verses that caused me to be under deep conviction during the invitation time at Church.

I am so THANKFUL that God removed the blinders from my eyes and for the Holy Spirit convicting me of my sin and need for the Saviour. I don't know how I would ever get through my life without God because He NEVER changes! In this ever-changing world He is the one stable thing that always stays the same. People come and go and sometimes let me down (as I'm sure I do them, as well) but God is always there! He is the one Person that I can count on because He's promised that "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b) and "...neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

'Characteristics of the Self-Life'

2006-03-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

I didn't write this.....I came across it several years ago and every time I read it, it convicts me.....

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SELF-LIFE
**A secret spirit of pride or an exalted feeling in view of your success or position-because of your good training or appearance because of your natural gifts or abilities- an important independent spirit? Prov. 16:18, 20:6; Rom. 12:3; James 4:6-8.
**Love of human praise; a secret fondness to be noticed; love of supremacy, drawing attention to self in conversation; a swelling out of self when you have had a special open door in speaking or praying? Jn. 5:44, 12:42-43; I Cor. 13:4.
**The stirrings of anger or impatience which, worst of all, you call nervousness or holy indignation; a touchy, sensitive spirit; a disposition to resent and retaliate when dissaproved of or contradicted; a desire to throw sharp, heated remarks at another? Psalms 37:8; Eccl. 7:9; Luke 21:19; James 1:19: Rom. 5:3.
**Self-will; a stubborn unteachable spirit; an arguing, talkative spirit; harsh, sarcastic expressions; an unyielding, headstrong disposition; a driving, commanding spirit; a disposition to criticize and pick flaws when set aside and unnoticed; a pevish fretful spirit; a disposition that loves to be coaxed and humored? Deut. 1:43; Mal. 2:2; James 3:17; II Peter 2:10.
**Carnal fear; a man-fearing spirit; a shrinking from reproach and duty; reasoning around your cross; a shrinking from doing your whole duty to those of wealth or position; a fearfulness that someone will offend and drive some prominate person away; a comprimising spirit? I Sam. 15:24; Prov. 29:25; Gal. 2:12; I John 4:18.
**A jealous disposition; a secret envy in your heart; an unpleasant sensation in view of the great prosperity and success of others; a disposition to speak of the faults and failings rather that the gifts and virtues of those more talented and appreciated than yourself? Gen. 26:12-16; I Sam. 18:8-9; Prov. 6:34,14:30; Mt. 21:15; Rom. 12:9-10.
**A dishonest and deceitful disposition; the evading and covering of the truth; the covering up of your real faults; leaving a better impression of yourself than is strictly true; false humility; exaggeration, straining the truth? Ps. 15:2-3; Isa. 29:13; Jer. 17:9; Mt. 23:28; Lk. 22:48; Acts 5:2-3; I Tim. 4:2.
**Unbelief; a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure and opposition; lack of quietness and confidence in God; lack of faith and trust in God; a disposition to worry and complain in the midst of pain, poverty, or at the dispensations of divine Providence; an over-anxious feeling whether everything will come out all right? Is. 7:9; Lk. 12:28-30; I Cor. 2:14; II Cor. 5:6; Heb. 11:6; I Pet.S:7,
**Formality and deadness; lack of compassion and concern for lost souls; dryness and indifference; lack of power with God? Mt. 15:14; II Tim. 3:5; Rev. 2:4, 3:1.
Selfishness; love of ease; love of money; love of your own time? Lk. 12:19-21; I Tim. 6:10-11; Amos 6:1-6."Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me..." Psalms 139:23-24

'Others May......You May Not'

2006-03-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite websites is www.biblebelievers.com because they have so many inspirational articles. I read this article a long time ago but when I was visiting a blog called 'By Grace' Susan was talking about this very thing, only she put it into the framework of eating/weight-loss. After you read this post, go on over to Susan's and check out her post called
'Weight Loss and the Entitlement Mentality' .

'Others May.....You May Not' -- Author Unknown

If God has called you to be really like Christ in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.

Others can brag on themselves, and their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His glory, which can be produced only in the shade.

Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, but it is likely God will keep you poor because he wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him; that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day - out of an unseen treasury.
God will let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a great work for Him and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when He comes.
The Holy Spirit will put strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.
So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do what He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle you in His dealing with you. He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say.

Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with.

Now, when you are so possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this particular personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven.

I'M FAMOUS!--or infamous?! (o;

2006-03-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

To see why, click here.

**MANY** people read Crystal's blog and I'm humbled and honored that she would do this for me.

Thank you Crystal, what a sweet lady you are........

"My Banner Will Be Clear!"

2006-03-20T19:40:00.000-08:00

A Preacher passed this out to us at a revival several years ago and I had taped it to the inside cover of my Bible. While I was visiting this blog I saw it again, so I decided to post it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made, I'm a disciple of His! I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me... my banner will be clear!"

These words were found written on a sheet of paper on a young pastor's desk in Zimbabwe following his martyrdom for his faith in Christ. May we each have like boldness to proclaim our faith in Him and lead others uncompromisingly to the Lord.

Quotes I Love

2006-03-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

I love reading Lady Lydia's blog, it's called 'Homeliving Helper' and I link to it in my side bar. This quote from her most recent post is one of the reasons I find her blog so inspiring:
"That is why I say, when you are homemaking, that you should not just clean something, you should beautify it. Your finished job should send a message. It should say "I love my family enough to provide a place for them that is lovely and comfortable."

Another quote I enjoy so much that I have it hanging on my refrigerator is by Gladys Taber, Stillmeadow Seasons:
"But housekeeping is fun, and I think the women who hate it lack imagination. It is one joy where you enjoy the results right along as you work. You may work all day washing and ironing, but at night you have the delicious feeling of sunny clean sheets and airy pillows to lie on. If you clean, you sit down at nightfall with the house shining and faintly smelling of wax, all yours to enjoy right then and there. And if you cook---ah, if you cook---that creation you lift from the oven goes right to the table."
No, I don't particularly enjoy cleaning my toilets, at the moment I'm cleaning them, but I enjoy the end result. And talk about instant gratification!.....after cleaning any room, I can step back and bask in the cleanliness of the room and be instantly gratified.

Titus 2 Ladies

2006-03-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Note from Mrs. B: I changed the title to this post because I want to include another link to another great post by a Titus 2 lady named Glenys.

It's a post about right priorities and it is called. 'Who Gets the First-Fruits of You?'

Here is the first paragraph:

This probably is a silly sounding title for a post, but what I am asking is: who gets the cream off the top of the milk when it comes to getting the best from you? We are so many things to so many people that we can at times be spread quite thin and we can find that we are giving the first-fruits of ourselves to people, projects and things that do not deserve first place in our life's priorities. Because we are so many things to so many people, and we only have so many hours in our day to be that special person, I have to ask: who really gets the best of you? God? Husband? Children? Home? friends? extended family? work? or church? Is your best given to those who do not truly benefit from your best? Are you so bound up in cleaning your house that you forget to play with your babies? Are you so busy spinning your wheel that your husband gets the dregs of your best self at the end of a busy day? Did you hit the floor running this morning and forget to have some time with the LORD? and do you fall into bed exhausted and strangely discontented and frustrated because you haven't accomplished half of what you set out to do today and you feel out of control? I have been there- and still am sometimes.

Please go over and read the rest of this tremendous post.

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

One of my favourite blogs is 'Homeliving Helper'. Today Lady Lydia wote a post called 'Developing Good Family Relationships'. The post is long but worth the read. Here is one paragraph that I really liked:

Learning to look on the good side of each other, was to prepare us for many things in life. One thing that it does in adult life is this: Someone tells you what a rotten, stinking, horrible person you are, and you don't respond in kind, neither do you defend yourself. You may ask them to stop, but it is up to them. You don't hound them down and insist on an apology or make them repent. Instead, you forgive them before it escalates and before you get bitter. What they do, is up to them. During their bitter outbursts, you think, "I understand these accusations. Sometimes I do that, myself. "

I encourage you to go and read the rest of the post......it is loaded with practical advice and Biblical principles.

Persecuted Christians

2006-03-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was over at a blog called Diary of a Young Wife and she was talking about some small things she was going to do to pamper herself. Things like applying lotion everyday and taking better care of her hands and not drinking soda but tea, instead. She has done several posts like this, in the past, and I found them to be inspiring........because it's an area of my life that I've let slip. As a homemaker, it's easy for me to get caught up in the 'Noone but my husband sees me' mentality. SO WHAT!?! Even if it's 'only my husband' that sees me, I should make an effort to look nice for him, because other than God, he's the MOST important person in my life.

Husbands like it when we are well groomed and smell nice. I think some of the things I'm going to do to pamper myself is applying lotion daily, put on perfume whether I'm going anywhere or not, and wearing earrings with my outfits. Those are just little things but sometimes I think it's the smallest details that can make the biggest difference. Head on over and read all of Emma's post and if you want even more inspiration, in this area, check out some of her archives.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying that I need to be dressed as if I'm off to have tea with the Queen, and I'm not talking about perfection or of neglecting my family for 'self'. I'm talking about the little things I used to do to take care of myself that I've now gotten out of the habit of doing.

WOW!

2006-03-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

In the comments section of my last post titled, ENOUGH!!!, Mrs. R suggested a website about the tabernacle. I checked it out and she was right, it IS cool! I wish I knew how to put a picture into my posts because if I did, I would......I'll have to figure out how to do that, soon.

To see a realistic looking model of the tabernacle, click on this link.

Check it out, you'll be glad you did!.....If I had kids, I would definitely buy this.

ENOUGH!!!

2006-03-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the book of Exodus and I really enjoyed it. I've read it before but this time, I really tried to savor what I was reading. You see, as a Christian I've always been partial to the New Testament because of the grace and mercy God showed to mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ, my LORD and Saviour. But lately, I've been really wanting to know and understand God even more. Of course, God is so big and amazing and powerful that I can NEVER truly know all there is to know about Him. He has, however, chosen to reveal certain aspects of Himself, through His written word. While reading Exodus, I loved seeing how God freed His people and the miracles he performed on their behalf.....what an AWESOME and powerful God He is!!

This time though, I'm really enjoying the Old Testament because I feel like I'm being reminded of how holy and righteous and powerful God truly is. Exodus is so full, starting with those brave mid-wives who feared God (Exodus 1:17), who were then rewarded by Him (Exodus 1:21), to Moses's birth and the faith of his parents in chapter 2. And then chapter 3 gets right into it with Moses seeing God in the burning bush. As I moved on, it goes right into God freeing the Jews and all of the plagues God brought to Egypt......then finally Pharoh lets them go and they leave only to have Pharoh go back on his word. God saves them again with the parting of the sea. God then feeds His people with food from heaven, manna, which they ate for 40 years! Chapter 20 gives us the ten commandments and chapters 21-23 tell how they're to live with each other and how the people are to deal with each other.....then there are several chapters on how the tabernacle is to be built. Chapter 32 broke my heart though. God had been performing miracle after miracle for them and they lost faith again and went back to their old ways, trying to worship their old gods (kinda like what we Christians try to do after God miraculously saves us from the penalty of our sin---ugh, I'm just like them, at times). Moses gets mad and throws the tablets on the ground and God is furious with the Israelites and is ready to consume them(chapter 32:9-10) but Moses pleads with the LORD and He relents. However there is a penalty to pay, as there is for all sin (Galatians 6:7-8). The journey through the wilderness then resumes, God gives Moses the commandments on stone, again. This is all great and exciting to me but what really touches my heart is chapters 35-36.

Chapter 35 starts with the gathering of all of the Israelites and then the people give gifts for the building of the tabernacle. Chapter 35, verse 5 says "Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, and offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,.....) . Verse 5 really stood out to me about how God wants us to give to Him with a willing heart. Verse 21 says "And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments." Then it goes on to explain how the tabernacle was to be built. I used to think this part of the Bible was a little boring until I started studying the symbolism. There was a reason God chose certain materials and certain colours because they have symbolic meaning. Gold symbolizes Deity or divine glory; silver, redemption; brass, judgement; blue, heavenly in nature or origin; purple, royalty; scarlet, sacrifice; wood, humanity, ect....there are also many 'types' of Christ. Suddenly it all starts to make more sense to me and I enjoy reading about all the intricate detail that goes into the building of the tabernacle. But the thing that blessed my heart the most and why I started writing this post in the first place is in chapter 36. The end of verse 6 says "......., Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. (verse 7) For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much." The people were so generous and so giving that they had to be told ENOUGH!!, 'we have too much', 'don't bring anymore!' I had the thought and I actually wrote this in the margin of my Bible , 'Wouldn't it be nice if Christians gave so much to the work of the Lord that they had to be told to not give anymore because there was too much?!? I mean, can you imagine? If God's people did that, then there would be enough for all the missionaries to get onto the field instead of having to spend up to 3 years on deputation, there would be enough for the church to take care of the widows and orphans, like they're commanded to in 1 Timothy 5. It got me to thinking, am I laying up for myself treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) or am I greedily holding onto my 'treasures' on earth? Do I give 'with a willing heart'?

Yeah......I'm enjoying my journey through the Old Testament. Thank you LORD!!

Now Allowing Anonymous comments

2006-03-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have been reading blogs for about 5 months and I just LOVE it! I love to discuss ideas and even enjoy a mild debate every now-and-then. However, I noticed that sometimes when blogs allow anonymous comments some people would leave bold and critical comments or hurl crazy accusations while hiding behind being 'anonymous'. In my honest opinion if you're going to criticize someone or accuse them of something, you should have the courage and do them the courtesy of signing your name (or user name). I thought to myself "If I ever start my own blog, I'm not going to allow anonymous comments"......but I've had a couple of people tell me that they couldn't leave a comment because they're not signed up with blogger. Many think that if you don't have a blog, you can't sign up through blogger and that's not true, you can.

However, having said all of that.......I'm going to give it a try. I've changed the setting to allow anonymous comments so that anyone who wishes to do so may leave a comment. I would ask that you please SIGN A NAME to your comment. You can also click on 'other' instead of anonymous and fill in a name that way too.

I don't mind people disagreeing with me or telling me that they think I'm wrong about something. What I don't like is name calling and accusations that are without merit. I don't want to use the comment moderation feature because I want people to feel free to discuss things with each other and with comment moderation, your comments don't immediately show up, so discussion can be difficult.

I'm going to try it and see how it goes.....after all, I can always change it back if it becomes a problem. (o:

Mixed Reactions--A guest post by Mrs. R

2006-03-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Mrs. R and I have been good friends for several years. I've asked her to write a post about what she experienced when deciding to quit work and be a stay-at-home wife. She is a young wife and mother and has a great perspective on things.

Mixed Reactions:

When you make the decision to quit work and head home you might be surprised at the response from your co-workers. This is the story of how my co-workers reacted to my decision to quit and head for home.

I taught in a Christian school for a couple of years after college. Then it came time for me to marry. The only problem being that my future husband's work schedule conflicted with my work schedule. If I continued working we would only see each other one hour a day and we wouldn't even have the same days off.

Despite the benefit of dual incomes I made the decision to quit. My decision was met with mixed reactions from fellow staff members. I remember one of them blurting out at a staff meeting, "Well, what are you going to do all day?" "I don't know," I replied. I didn't know what I would be doing all day.

Some people felt I was making a mistake. Even at my wedding reception a friend told me that comments were being made that I made the wrong choice by quitting. That dear friend spoke up for me and said, "I think that she made the right decision." She said people looked at her like she was crazy.

Not everyone felt I was making a mistake. One teacher told me privately that I was doing the right thing. She said her first year of marriage her husband was going to law school and she was teaching and spent a lot of time away from home. Her husband began eating out and spending time doing other activities since she was not home. She felt that her marriage suffered today from the bad pattern that was established her first year of marriage.

When you make the decision to go from work to home don't expect to be applauded, in fact you might face criticism. If you have your husband's support ignore the criticism and head for home.

~~"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."~~ Titus 2:4-5

I Am A Stay-At-Home Wife

2006-03-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

Erin told me how to do links on my posts, so I'm giving it a try......I hope it works! (o:

I love the website 'Ladies Against Feminism'. Here is my favourite article on their site, it's called 'I Am A Stay-At-Home Wife'. I can relate to it so WELL!

"God Sees You As Beautiful!"

2006-03-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

I was over at Erin’s blog at ‘Unfolding Moments’ (her blog is in my links section) and read her most current post called “Beautiful Women”. Erin is an incredibly talented blogger! Her writing always amazes me because she always has great insights......she helps me see things in a way that I hadn't thought of before and her writing style is very pleasant and flows nicely....what a gracious lady she is. Since I’m new to blogging, I don’t yet know how to set it up so that you can just click on something, in my post, and go right to hers…..please be patient with me. (o:

Her post starts with a 25 year old, single woman who asks a question of Candace Watters of Boundless Webzine (http://www.boundless.org/2005/answers/a0001232.cfm). The young woman is worried because noone, but her parents, has ever told her she's beautiful. Candace gives her some wonderful answers and Erin adds some of her own thoughts.

Some of my favourite parts of Erin's post are:

** "As women, we long to be the glory of a man; quite literally, his beauty. As you make the most of your features and form, remember your spirit also informs your beauty."

**“This inner beauty comes from resting in God's provision and trusting Him to be your advocate. It's the opposite of striving to control.”

**“Beauty is not just a state of being. It's also doing.”

**“Every time you create beauty for others, you send the message that they are valuable, worth the price of your effort.”

**"'To know that God sees you as beautiful, and worth the costliest gift ever given — His Son — is a powerful antidote to counterfeits.”

**“When you draw your self-worth from your Creator, you're better able to recognize and resist men who would flatter for their own ends rather than your good.”

And then, Erin sums up with:

**"As much as we love our husbands, God (not our husband) is to be our source of self-worth."

I've highlighted some of my favourite parts of the post but, please, head on over and read the post in it's entirety (just click on Unfolding Moments, in my links sidebar)......it's definitely worth the read! (o:

The Duggar Family

2006-03-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Recently there have been several television shows (on TLC and Discovery Health Channel) about the Duggar Family. I first heard about this family on Crystal’s blog (Biblical Womanhood), sometime last year, when I first started reading blogs. I must admit that, at first, it seemed VERY odd to me that anyone would choose to have 16 children. Then after reading Crystal’s blog for several months I realized that my attitudes about children needed some reevaluating. I don’t know if I’ve fully changed my view about limiting your family size but I HAVE changed my view on the blessings of a large family. Some of the commenters on Crystal’s blog likened the Duggar family to a daycare…I had, had that same thought myself…..but after watching them on TV I see that I was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!
The Duggars are a happy, loving, fabulous family who work together to get done what needs to be done. I saw the older children mentoring the younger and along the way learning many, valuable life skills. I saw children who were well behaved, well spoken, confident but didn’t have the need to be the center of attention. But most importantly I saw a family who loves God and who is trying to live in obedience to Him.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar did not come across as having a self-righteous attitude or an attitude of ’you MUST do everything the way we do’. He was not some Neanderthal, chauvinist who wants to dominate his wife, and she was certainly no brainless, door mat. They seemed to love and respect each other very much and were a beautiful picture of how a husband’s headship and a wife’s submission makes for a beautiful, God-honoring marriage.
For more information about the Duggars, go to their website at www.duggarfamily.com

Why The Name 'Be Not Conformed'?

2006-03-16T22:27:00.000-08:00

When I became a Christian, I heard a preacher once say that you should pray and ask God to give you a life verse. The verses God gave me were Romans 12:1,2 which says: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." To me, it seemed to sum up the basics of the Christian life. I've heard some people say that God gave them a certain verse for a while and then He changed it, but that hasn't been the case for me. I've been saved for almost 13 years and mine has stayed the same. Do you have a life verse? If so let me know what it is in the comments and if not and you'd like a life's verse, pray and ask God for one. God has promised to give wisdom to any Christian who asks for it (James 1:5) and the Bible is the Christian's source for wisdom.

Welcome To My New Blog

2006-03-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

I LOVE reading blogs! And I was encouraged by some of my friends in the blogosphere to finally start my own, so here it is. I'm not really sure what the focus will be....maybe there won't even be a focus, just some of my thoughts and feelings about many different subjects. I love to discuss ideas so hopefully you will comment and share your thoughts about what I write.....Welcome!