Romans 16:17-19 November 4, 2009

This is what is on my mind lately. Anyone care to share their thoughts on these verses? I asked a few people on Facebook and heard back from two of them. I am still meditating, but would love your opinion. Please only comment if you are a Bible reader seeking wisdom from God. I will promptly delete foolish or derogatory comments. Thank you.

¹⁷I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Called November 2, 2009

I am blessed to have friends in ministry. Most of them go to the same church I go to, but some don’t. Some I have never met outside this box we call a computer.

Ministry is not easy. It is hard work. There is little recognition and little pay. At least, in this world.

People high up in ministry, whether paid staff or volunteers, get the pleasure of hearing people in the congregation cry and complain. I’m not sure if they hear more complaints than praise, but I hope not. I know they get all the dirt. I mean dirt too. They are called upon when people are sick, addicted, dying, depressed, suffering, and so on. They visit hospitals and prisons. They feed the hungry. They help the poor. They pour their lives into being the Hands and Feet of Christ.

It ain’t easy bein’ called to ministry. At all.

On the other side of that coin, it also isn’t a picnic being convicted to be different. This year, just like last year, we felt convicted to not celebrate Halloween. This year was much harder than last year. Brianna was exposed to kids in school talking about costumes and candy, two things she really enjoys. She had questions. We had answers. I finally had to sit her down and explain that even though certain parts of Halloween are fun, the whole is not pleasing to God. It was not an easy conversation, but she understood and did not complain. In fact, quite the opposite. She told me she hates Halloween because it is scary and she wants to eat healthy so she doesn’t mind not asking our neighbors for candy.

I had to tell two of our friends that we don’t celebrate Halloween when they called to ask us to join them in the festivities. That was different and I stumbled over my words. Next time, I’ll just say simply, “We don’t celebrate Halloween”, and leave it at that. Then there were the people at the stores asking my kids what they would be for Halloween. My kids looked at them like they were from Mars. I laughed it off and did not reply. Next time I will just say simply, “We don’t celebrate Halloween”. I know most people won’t ask why. In fact, I’ll be surprised if anyone asks why. We’ll save that for next year.

I know there is a great division w/in Christian circles over this subject as well as Santa and the Easter Bunny. I am not typing this to start a debate. My point is that it isn’t easy being called to something.

Ministry is hard.
Conviction is hard. Sometimes. Most of the time?

Anyway, I think people who are against my idea of honesty and integrity as a Christian scoff at me and others like me without truly thinking it through. It would be MUCH easier to dress up my kids and join the crowd. It is not easy to bow out because we feel it is more important to please God than to please man. Even when we are made fun of. Even when we are scoffed at. Even when our backs are stabbed. Even then.

Because, they did that to Jesus too. And, we are taking up our crosses and following. He said it wouldn’t be easy.

He was right!

I want my kids to grow up knowing that even though sometimes it is very hard, pleasing God is the most important thing they can strive for in their lives. Our rewards are great if we obey.

I don’t think God is in business to make our lives miserable. No way. But, He does convict some to obey a certain way and then He tests them to see where their hearts will be… and, quite frankly, I believe we are passing this particular test with flying colors. My integrity as a Christian has not been compromised.

Whether you respect that or not, means very little.

Whether He respects that or not, means very much.

Bible Study is Selfish Too October 26, 2009

I just thought of this the other day… during Bible study. Imagine that.

I host a women’s Bible study group once a week. I have been doing this since the summer. I decided since I cannot join the church Bible studies because of my tied down Mommy status that I would bring Bible study to me. I host, and the women bring their young children and we talk about ourselves. I mean… God. We talk about God.

No. We talk about ourselves. A lot. And, how God has helped ourselves. And, how we are improving and how this Bible study has been so great for us. Us.

Me. Myself. I. Me. Me. Me. I. I. I.

I love Bible study. I love it!! I love being with women who believe the way I do. I love being with women who are raising their kids the way I am. I love that I can speak freely about all things Christian without having to explain what I mean. I love the uniqueness of our relationships. Our bonds are family knit and tight.

Our lives are woven and spun together like a spider’s web. Each strand intertwining with another and every one important and unique.

We are family. His. We belong together. We’ll be together forever. This life is only temporary. When you live like that, and have friends who live like that, the relationships are so much deeper and better than anything temporal. Our friendships are not seasonal. They are eternal.

Sisters.

However, Bible study feeds ourself. Flesh. We use it to stay in the Word because our busy lives just tear us away too often so if we join a Bible study then we are forcing ourselves to do the homework which has us searching the Bible to answer the questions. Then we get together over coffee and sometimes snacks to chit-chat about what we discovered about ourselves and our struggles; what God has revealed about us.

The study lasts a few weeks and then we take a break. The cycle continues the next time studies are offered. We scan the list of what is offered, decide if our schedules allow for one, pay our dues, and show up once a week like we did the last time around. Feeding ourselves all the soul food we can munch on.

Quail.

I am not demeaning the Word of God. It is soul food.

But, what does Bible study really do? I mean for the bigger picture. The Kingdom!!!

Year after year women and men join Bible studies. They feel better about themselves and like they get an A+ from God and then what?

What difference is Bible study making for the Kingdom? What changes are being made because of these so-called well equiped Christians who had such a remarkable Bible study that they sell everything they own and move to Asia to save the poor people sold in human trafficking. Or forgo their normal holiday expenses to give it all to feed the poor. Or who don’t sit around stuffing themselves till they are sick and need a nap on Thanksgiving, but cook for and serve the poor woman whose husband can’t work and whose children are hungry.

Bible study is selfish.

Argue with me. Tell me that thousands of Christians are leaving Bible studies well equiped and making monumental differences for the Kingdom.

Do it.

Or, is your observation the same? We are getting fat on our soul food and we aren’t sharing. And I think for all the potential Bible study has for Christians, it is failing to motivate us to look any further than our own inward selves.

I like Bible study. I really do. It helps me feel like I’m doing something, when I’m really not doing much of anything. But, it serves that self-righteous ego of mine and my ego likes that.

Yes, I learn a lot at Bible study. But, most of what I learn isn’t about God… it’s about me.

And all these people writing Bible studies… all these Super Christians… what do they get out of it?
A book deal.
An audience.
Applause.
Dare I say it?
A paycheck!

What would Jesus say about our modern-day American Bible studies?

*NOTE*: I feel I should put this on here so there is no misunderstanding… I do not mean studying the Bible straight from the Bible. I mean a Bible study done from a workbook written by an author based on the Bible. Studying your Bible is very useful for many reasons. Thank you.

What do you say?

Does He Jiggle? September 8, 2009

I struggled with how to explain the Trinity to my 2 oldest children (they are 3 1/2 and 5). My friend told me to use the egg analogy and another friend said to use the water analogy. Eggs are still eggs when they are shell, yolk, and white. Water is still water when it is steam, ice, and liquid. God is still God when the Father, Son, and Spirit.

It worked, sorta.

Jeremy, my 3 1/2 yr old, is my comic. He is always making me laugh with his honesty. He may have the same problem I do when he grows up — no filter for the inappropriate. Ha!

Brianna, my 5 yr old, is much more quiet and contemplative. She observes far more than she speaks.

Jeremy told me in the car today, “Mom, God’s Spirit is in my heart.”
I said, “where did you learn that, Jeremy?”
He said, “I just know it, Mom.”

I get no credit. Heh.

Brianna was quiet, as usual. After a few minutes she piped up.
“Mom.”
“Yeah, sweetie?”
“Does He jiggle?”
“Does who jiggle?”
“Does the Holy Spirit jiggle when I walk?”

LOL!

I didn’t want to laugh. I just said, “well, maybe He does since He is in your heart and all.”
“That’s what I was thinking,” she said.

Adorable.
Simply adorable.

Baptism April 19, 2009

Immersion
Believer Baptism

Sprinkle or Pour
Infant Baptism

Which do you choose?
Why?

NOTE: There will be absolutely no fighting over this subject.
I am not posting this to start a blog war.
I simply want to know what you believe and why.
Judgment Free!

Anyone who starts mudslinging will have their
comment deleted and will enter into moderation hell,
which is the equivalent of being “grounded” on my blog.
Thank You!

Holy Day April 10, 2009

By Your Side
Tenth Avenue North

The God I serve
Who died for me
and you
He died for you too
Y.O.U.

Don’t run
Don’t hide your face

Embrace Him

How Can it be? February 16, 2009

Here is an artist’s rendition of Hell.

In the Bible, Hell is described as…

• Eternal fire
• Unquenchable fire
• A place of torment and fire
• Everlasting destruction
• A lake of burning sulfur
• Where the wicked are tormented day and night forever and ever

This is an artist’s rendition of a person meeting Jesus in Heaven.

In the Bible, Heaven is described as…

• A place of eternal life
• It possesses the Glory of God
• A place where there is no more pain, no more sorrows, no more tears
• Where death is conquered
• Revelation describes in detail streets of gold, precious stones, gates of pearl, a throne, crowns, worship, music, angels, a rainbow of emerald

I believe what the Bible says.
Every word.

Even so, my question is this…
How can I be eternally filled with joy with no hint of sorrow
if someone I love is in Hell?

Am I alone in this thought?

The Way to Salvation December 15, 2008

People sure are looking for a lot of Jesus on the Internet these days. I’m not sure if it’s a picture they want. A video. A blog. Or more information.

The best place to look is the Bible. You can get that online. I also really like Got Questions a whole big oodles of bunches.

The basic way to salvation is this…

1. Admit you’re a sinner in need of a Savior: In other words, you cannot get to heaven by being a “good” person. The good news is that God sent a Savior, Jesus Christ, to redeem us by dying on a cross for our sins and conquering death by rising again. Redemption.
2. Turn from your sins and accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as your Savior: This is how you do that. You pray. So easy. Too easy. You say something like “God I am a sinner. I believe that You sent Christ Jesus to die for my sins. I am sorry that I have sinned and I don’t want to sin any longer. I need You to save me through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Please forgive me, change my heart, and come into my life. I surrender myself to You. Amen.” It needs to be sincere and heartfelt and a little prayer between you and God where you confess, repent, and accept His Son into your life.
3. There is no #3. You’re done. Saved. Salvation.

Wasn’t that easy? If you did this you absolutely need to get yourself involved in a good, stable, Bible teaching church. I personally recommend one that is nondenominational esp if you’ve never been to church before. My even more personal preference is Calvary Chapel, but you start church shopping until you find one you like. You’ll know it, believe me, very soon after walking into the place.

It is very important that you start reading the Bible. Start in the New Testament so you won’t get discouraged. A favorite book of many is the Book of John. Whatever you do don’t start with Leviticus (Old Test) or Revelation (New Test). Heh. Save those for spiritual maturity. Trust me (seasoned Christians are now laughing b/c they knooooow I’m right).

Congratulations. Welcome to the family. Strap on your seatbelt because once you turn your life over to Christ some really super delicious and amazing things start to happen. First and foremost, your eyes will be opened in ways you never imagined. Life will be full and fuller. Oh it’s awesome being a Christian. What a freakin’ ride man!!! Wheeeee!

Did you say
this prayer or
one like it?
Tell me about it.
I would love to rejoice
right along with you.

The Jesus Post December 13, 2008

People are searching.
“Jesus” has had over 500 searches that landed someone on my site in 10 days.
Ten days = 500+ searches for “Jesus”

Wow!

What does this mean?
What should we do?

They’re searching.

What are we going to
do about this?

The Unanniversary – Part Two December 12, 2008

In the midst of sheer pain, there was peace.

In the midst of utter heartache, there was comfort.

In the midst of the worst loss of my life, there was love.

Nobody can tell me that the loss of my baby was for nothing. This story — our story — has touched more people than I can count. The amount of traffic to my blog daily (daily!) is astounding in regards to the miscarriage. Women lose babies every single day. It is a silent suffering. Most people don’t know what to say to undo the pain or comfort the grieving Mother. A lot of times what is said seems heartless and inconsiderate.

“It was God’s plan”
“There must have been something wrong with the baby and it is God’s way of making it right”
“These things happen”

On the way to the hospital I was a crying mess, deeply bitter, and on the brink of losing my bearings on reality. I just stared out the window with tears streaming down my face trying to feel as numb and unattached as I could. I didn’t want to feel. I just wanted to sleep and sleep and sleep. I wanted nothing to do with anything. I just wanted to be alone. As I sunk down into the depths of despair I decided to pray. What else could I do?

Lord, I don’t know why this had to happen. But I am going to decide to lean on You. You said I could. I’m going to. I am going to give this — my grief — to You. What You do with it is up to You. But I can’t do this. I can’t be a good wife or Mom under these circumstances. I need You now more than I’ve ever needed You. Help me. Amen.

Believe what you will…

I am here to tell you that no sooner did “amen” leave my silent prayer before I was enveloped in a peace that goes far, far beyond my comprehension. I felt it like a coat had been slipped onto my shaking frame. Can you actually feel peace? I would not have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it for myself.

He was there. He never left my side. He gave me the most precious gift I could have ever asked for at such a time as that. My God, my Jesus, my Savior — He loved on me. He wrapped me in His peace. He carried me through the next few hours and days. He kept me in His peace for as long as I needed Him to.

And when it was time to release me, He did it slowly. He was so gentle. He was so careful. He protected me. He sheltered me.

Then He started to show me how to move on.

I had moments of grief after that. Many of them. I would cry. I would remember. I would again ask God to kiss my baby for me. I promised I would never forget. I even feel like it may have been a girl. That might seem silly to you, but I feel like it was a girl. Julia would have been her name.

I had to physically return to normal before we could try for another baby. Rich didn’t put up a fight. He told me he still didn’t want three children, but that it didn’t matter as much as having another mattered to me. He said he would submit to my decision.

In April of 2008, about the time we had decided we would start the process of adoption, we instead started the process of conception. It worked on the first try. On Mother’s Day 2008 I took a pregnancy test. I was almost 2 weeks late on my cycle.

Positive.

Joy!

I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant. I am not happy that I lost my baby last year. But if I had not lost that child, I would not have this child. I still think about and pray about the baby that I lost. I still look forward to meeting that wee one when it’s my turn to cross over into eternity. My kids know they have a sibling who gets to look into the face of Jesus every day.

I have four kids. Three of them live with me. One lives with Him.

Someday we’ll all be together.

I clung to the chorus of this song
after my loss.
Artist: Seventh Day Slumber
Song: Every Saturday

“I’m barely hanging on
with all these empty feelings.
I’m hurting in so many ways.
And though I can’t begin
to understand the reason,
I still believe that you’re God.”