Mary Did You Know?

Hello everyone! After a long hiatus of no blogging, I am happy to return in time before Christmas to share with you what special meaning Christmas truly holds for me as a woman. If you have noticed, I love the topic of femininity and it's just a beautiful God-given gift to every woman that should be exclaimed over!
As Christmas approaches with all it's splendor and excitement, I go back to the story of Mary and her amazing example that she left on the pages of the Bible for us ladies to read and put into practice.
Here's an excerpt from Elizabeth Elliot's book The Essence of Femininity: A Personal Perspective. comparing two opposite women Eve and Mary. One was lured with a selfish idea that she can be happiest being like a god, while the other humbly and faithfully accepted her calling to be the mother of Christ. While Eve brought sin into the world, Mary was the bearer of Christ our Saviour who came into this world to save us from sin.

The gospel story begins with the Mystery of Charity. A young woman is visited by an angel, given a stunning piece of news about becoming the mother of the Son of God. Unlike Eve, whose response to God was calculating and self-serving, the virgin Mary’s answer holds no hesitation about risks or losses or the interruption of her own plans. It is an utter and unconditional self-giving: “I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). This is what I understand to be the essence of femininity. It means surrender. The gentle and quiet spirit of which Peter speaks, calling it “of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4), is the true femininity, which found its epitome in Mary, the willingness to be only a vessel, hidden, unknown, except as Somebody’s mother. This is the true mother-spirit, true maternity, so absent, it seems to me, in all the annals of feminism. “The holier a woman is,” wrote Leon Bloy, “the more she is a woman.” Femininity receives. It says, “May it be to me as you have said.” It takes what God gives—a special place, a special honor, a special function and glory, different from that of masculinity, meant to be a help. In other words, it is for us women to receive the given as Mary did, not to insist on the not-given, as Eve did. (Elizabeth Elliot "The Essence of Femininity A Personal Perspective Ch. 25)

It is hard to humbly and obediently say yes to a decision which will change your life. It is scary to not know what lies ahead of you. Neverthelss, with a full faith in God and a “May it be to me as you have said” on our lips, we will know that God is in control and He knows what He is doing. As a woman, remember Christmas as a special time to surrender to God what is unknown and use your feminine beauty for Christ's glory. With an obedient, humble and meek spirit, remember Mary's example and most of all glorify Christ as the true meaning of Christmas! May you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!! God bless!

{FEAR THE LORD}

Today God showed me that He wants me to TRUST Him...without questions, challenges, requests of clarification, explanation, reasons...or anything! God searches for my unconditional obedience and dependence on Him alone. When the Bible says "fear the Lord" (i heard on the radio) it means submitting yourself unconditionally to the Will of God.

I want to be able to Love Him to the point that I can trust Him alone and Obey Him all the way. No one else but HIM 100%...so that I may fear Him as He wants me to..through my obedience.

"Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of israel. There was no one like him among al lthe kings of Judah,either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the Lordin everythin gand he carefully obeyed all the commands the Lord has given..."2 Kings, 18: 5

Praise Him

12-11-09

Today was especially challenging at work but God helped me get through it all...and my patients were doing better. I prayed for them...and feel that God is healing them, both inside and out.

From ACTS 20:24
My Life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--The work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

That should be every believers 'purpose in life'! That is what I want to feel and do! I want to be that committed and excited to spread His word and do the work He has prepared, or even assigned to me...

also in the 33rd verse quotes Jesus "It is more blessed to give than to receive"
a motto I want to add to my daily life.I want to Give joy, blessings, love and that which God provided so I can be a vessel, a tool in His hands.

"Praise the Lord!" shouts David in verse 14 chapter 148. and my heart does just that. For He alone is worthy of all praise.

Temptation Temptation

In this popular test, several kids wrestle with waiting to eat a marshmallow in hopes of a bigger prize. This video is a good illustration of temptation and the hope in future rewards.

"A Blessing In Disguise"

After the car accident I was in 10 days ago, my friends, relatives, church family, and even people I wasn't really close to- all wished me their blessings and prayed that God would bless me through this difficult time. Many sent get well cards, text messages, picture messages, called, or brought flowers to encourage and lift up my spirits. One thing that was common in a lot of those messages was the content. No, I'm not talking about the "Get Well!" part of the message or the "Hope you feel better soon!" (although that was very encouraging!) many used phrases such as; "God is trying to do His will in your life", "God is Sovereign", "God is Good", "God uses sickness and accidents as Blessings in disguise", and many others along the same lines.
...I'm not sure if the people who wrote that-did it because it sounded good, because that's what you usually write on a card to a sick person, or because they really truly understood the deep meaning behind those words and meant it. (I hope it's the last one, but in no way do I judge the other reasons).

Throughout these past 10 days, I can't even begin to explain all the thoughts that went through my mind or all the feeling that I felt. One thing that I want to confirm is this, those phrases written on those cards are true indeed. God is Absolutely Sovereign, Good, Merciful, Kind, Loving, and He IS doing His will in my life. This accident has truly been "a blessing in disguise".

Words can't describe those blessings I've received, and how much lessons God is teaching me. My life has changed. I'll never be the same, that person whom I once was. Through this event, God's speaking to my soul. Continuously, day by day... He's molding me and shaping me to be more like the light that I'm supposed to be- one that reflects His image...my character, my attitude, my pride, my dignity and my self ego- all this the Lord is breaking down so there'd be room for humbleness, respect, more love, and kindness. I can't image how much more the Lord's prepared for me, those little simple lessons- the one's we tend to skip right through each day- until of course were faced with them directly.

My heart is filled with joy and happiness yet more and more throughout this time of painful trials...I know that this has truly been...a blessing in disguise!

And I would never take back time to make a different turn on that dark intersection...for this has been a right turn in my life, one that has lead me to the greener pastures.

*Thanks to everyone who took part in the prayers and support! I do believe that they are what keep me going day by day, knowing that God hears our prayers. And may God deeply bless you in return for blessing me with your encouragements along the way. May God bless you, your families, your futures, and may He shower you with those "blessings in disguise" that can effect your life forever.

Breaking the Mold or Shattering the Mirror

I remember when I was just a little kid I had such a fun experience making mud cakes! I would grab one of my grandma's old pots (that she never uses!) and stuff it with wet mud (not too runny, but wet enough). Then, I would carefully turn the pot upside down and dump out the mud, now shaped in a circular form as the pot. I would then proceed to "decorate" the muddy mold with grass and other colorful flowers to make my beautiful "cake". Oh wow! I had so much fun!

I did run into a problem though. I noticed that if the mud dried up just a little, the mold would not come out all the way or it would come out halfway, resulting in a pile of mess inside and outside of the pot. Therefore, the mold had to be taken out of the pot before it had a chance to dry even a little and stick to the pot. These were my days filled with experimenting and exploring as a young child.

It is interesting to find, that the bible also talks about "molds" in it's pages. In Romans chapter 12 v. 2, Paul says, "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."

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines conform as "To make like, in external appearance; to reduce to a like shape, or form, with something else..."

Transform is defined as "To change the form of; to change the shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as a caterpillar transformed into a butterfly."

I find that in my personal walk with God, I tend to at times stray away from Him and find myself conforming into the "mold" of this world. When I find myself in love with the world's glitz and glam, whether it would be the world's catchy fashions, risque movies, infatuation in self-image, idolization of wealth, etc I find myself being outlined and molded more and more into an image of the world. It reaches the point where the line between the world and me as a Christian is worn off into a mere gray speck in the dust. The plans of the devil is to offer these things on a fake gold platter, in high hopes that we will soon be in a messy pile of mud decorated with lifeless grass and dead flowers. But it is not to say that we weren't warned!

It is clear that the Bible teaches us to be set apart from the world, but what is more special, is that the Bible is the resource that offers us the ability to examine ourselves to determine where we are spiritually. Is it one foot in the world's door, and one foot into the church treshold?

Doug Phillips, the president of Vision Forum Ministries(http://www.visionforumministries.org/) speaks often of the Desert Island Challenge in which he gives a scenario that if we were on a desert island with only the Bible to guide us, how would our views be shaped? What will we be like?

Obviously being on a lonely desert island, with nothing to distract us, or lead us to wander, we will look to the Bible as our reference and guidebook. Therefore, we will be built up and shaped into God's mold according to His word.

In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul writes "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith...". In James chapter 1, v. 22-25 we are told to not only hear what the Word tells us but also be doers of the Word. These verses reiterate the point that the Bible is our mirror. This mirror shows us the "mold" we are in and it is up to us to break the worldly mold, or to shatter the mirror of God's Word in our defiance...the choice is after you dear reader.

Do You Know???

This is a must see for everyone. What children are being "taught" in public school doesn't even cross the minds of the parents! This video is the first in several parts. To continue viewing, just click part 2, 3, etc.

Funny But Oh So True!

{People need the Lord...yet they're holding back}

I was recently introduced to Britt Nicole's song "The lost Get found"...It's a great motivational piece that really calls for us to be the light for the world...that the world depends on it!

So, randomly browsing for goodies at our local Christian book store, I go over to the CD section, and find her CD! I was very excited to hear it before purchasing, unfortunately, that wasn't an option. However, I did like that song, and wanted to give this CD a try.

As bluntly as this may sound, I was very disappointed.
About two of the songs from the whole CD mentioned God.

The other songs, despite being sad imitations of today's popular pop music, were pretty much encouraging to "love yourself for being christian" or "celebrate being christian and dance".....and how it's "cool" to believe in God...or little tid bit stories where she sings to trust/believe/depend in Him...

I have nothing against encouraging and uplifting. but the WHOLE CD??????

It's so easy to drift off into praising yourself as a new person through Christ...it's so easy to focus on the hardships and trials of a Christian path and be drenched with experiences to share and encourage others with. HOWEVER, we then lose focus of the One Who really needs all the attention. All the praise. All the Focus...God needs to be Praised because PEOPLE NEED THE LORD. People don't need to be encouraged if they are broken. They need the remedy to be healed. People don't need to know how "cool" it is to be a Christian or "stand out"...people need to know how horrible the world really is and How GREAT God is. people need to know how God changed us and why we naturally stand out....

Let's see how the Bible teaches us:
Psalm 40:3
He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

Psalm 44:8
In God we boast all day long,And praise Your name forever

Sing praises to the Lord, so that many will see it and fear it!!!They should "fear" not having the Lord in their hearts, they should long to meet your God.

I am truly unhappy when I hear that churches have two services one "contemporary" and another "traditional". why???? is contemporary for the "younger people" so that it may be "more appealing?". People need the Lord...so why not just give them Him? why conform to the worldy ways so that the wordly people may feel more "welcomed" and less awkward?? so they don't think of church as "boring"...the world NEEDS to see that difference between Godly and worldly. the World will want the peace in your heart-- to know you are saved. Happiness to know God and to live with Him and for Him!!

People need the Lord, and we need to shine and praise Him alone. we can't heal, forgive or give eternal life. God Can.

GOD CAN

Your heart is on your sleeve, despite the ways you try to hide it.He can see your tears, although you quickly try to dry them. People need the Lord, yet they're holding back.
God is calling you to....

Trust in him to hold you near and safe, God can heal your soul, cleanse your heart, give you Love. You'll never thirst again. God can.

A mask of happiness-you're holding up to hide the hollow. He sees your searching heart, and still your pride won't let you follow. People need the Lord, yet they're holing back. God is calling you to...

Trust in Him to hold you near and safe. God can heal your soul, cleanse your heart, give you love,you'll never thirst again. God can.


Surrender to His love and you will conquer sin. Jesus is the only Way to Life.

Trust in Him to hold you near and safe. God can heal your soul, cleanse your heart, give you love,you'll never thirst again. God can.

Our Days are Like the Mist

I'm a little girl walking excitedly (and curiously) behind grandpa. I came to visit for a few days and already grandpa has prepared a surprise for me! Oh wow was I excited! Grandpa knew when to make my day! As I walk behind him, I notice how his stride is always so strong and sure. Even though I noticed him getting just a little older, and just a little more tired, I don't see that affecting his busy life. My grandpa is a beekeeper by profession. He lived and breathed this career of his. Business was going very well for him, and he was always out of town tending to his bees. Now here I am visiting grandpa and grandma (and dodging hiper bees in the yard that grandpa had brought in their beehives. They really bite painfully!). I follow grandpa out to the garden and to my amazement grandpa leads me to a little hole dug in the ground and lo and behold I see a mama cat with her kittens! I almost melted on the spot (animals are my weakness)! The kittens were the tiniest things on earth! They were still blind but were climbing all over their mom in an effort to find some warmth. Grandpa proudly let me pat the mama cat and told me that when the kittens grew up, we could keep one. My grandpa made my day once again! In the later days to come, there were baby rabbits, baby calves, puppies, and dogs that grandpa presented to me and he knew what made me happy. My grandpa was awesome!

Here I am sitting in my car watching in the rearview mirror as grandpa slowly makes his way to the main entrance of his apartment complex. I want to make sure he gets in safely (he tends to fall more often now, but always brushes off our help). I see the grandpa that once had the sure footing of a man with a purpose in life. He had the strength and determination of a giant! He brought up his children, built his home, built his business, and worked, worked, worked! He was always on the go! Now I see grandpa's steps have become very slow. With the help of a cane he continues on his walk in life. Sometimes I would see him crying and regretting for the things past or for the things that were lost. He still tends to invite me over to his apartment to show me something new that he acquired and I know it makes his day when I exclaim or smile about whatever he would share with me. When I share the latest news about my nephews goofy words, or how he pronounces new words that make you laugh uncontrollably I see my grandpa just light up. When I bring a new picture of me or our family to him, I see grandpas's happiness radiating out of his eyes. And then I know, I made his day!

Embracing Modesty

I am disgusted at the way today's society portrays women. Clothing designers are putting less and less pieces of material on their models and define that as clothing. Bill boards for Victoria's Secret with revealing lingerie make us (those of us who do have a consciousness and a sense of embarassment) to quickly pull up our shirts and walk with averted eyes. Things that were once private (and should remain private) are now public and blown up by the size of television screens and billboards. Not to mention idolized by many women of this world. Therefore, it is safe for me to say that immodesty is right in our face and it's getting ugly!

Are you disgusted as I am? Are you seeking to dress more modestly? Did someone remark on how immodest your clothing is and you never thought what you were wearing was a big deal before they made a comment? Either way my hope and prayer is that this post will give you as a lady some tools for better insight into knowing and judging for yourself what is modest and appropriate to wear.

First of all, you have to personally understand the value of modesty. It is not hard to determine by today's society that modesty has become very rare. Almost extinct like the dinosaurs. We see and dig through racks upon racks of clothing and know in our hearts that these tube tops, mini skirts, tight fitting jeans and sleeveless dresses that barely touch thigh are in no way fit to be modest. Modesty has become very expensive time-wise (it takes forever to find a decent modest clothing item) and money-wise (you have to do extra alterations by adding sleeves and covering the front and the back of a dress or shirt). Nevertheless, my point is we are in no way to be discouraged about the cost of modesty because modesty is a rare gem with a high price. In other words, if you are a woman of God and an amazing example of modesty, you are glorifying God in your body and soul and in His eyes you are precious. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 A woman who fears the Lord will not dress in a suggestive manner and will do her best not to attract prying eyes and sinful thoughts of men around her. She will know that there are men who struggle with sinful thoughts and lust and she will make sure that she will not be the main cause of these weaknesses.

I myself am not a perfect image of modesty, but I learned that when you strive to be a Godly, modest woman you trully become a blessing to others (especially to men) around you. I gathered the following information from talking with other young men and my father and brother. Therefore I would like to give you an overview of what would be considered immodest/modest.

Skirts

When trying on skirts, I don't just stand there admiring it. I have to move around in it.

-When walking, I make sure that there are no undergarment outlines (this is an issue if the material is very stretchy). If there are any outlines: it is immodest! It is the same thing as wearing your undergarment outside of your clothes!

-While walking, your skirt should not stretch out and accentuate your bottom and hips. If it does, it is immodest! I cannot emphasize enough how much these body parts catch the guy's attention

-I would generally suggest to stay away from slits/openings on the bottom of skirts (when the skirt is below the knee), but if need be they can always be sewn together to a comfortable length if they are very long. These slits seem ok when standing but when you begin to walk or climb stairs...immodest!

- Pencil skirts which are straight from the waist down can be immodest. If you are a lady with curves, buy several sizes larger because when you walk or sit down these skirts stick to your body form like cellophane wrap and show your hips and bottom very much. This is immodest!Try to buy skirts that have some flow at the bottom hem (they are comfortably narrow at the waistline and gradually widen in an A form). They take the attention off the hips and bottom and add some feminine swish to your step! ;) Not to mention, most A-line skirts don't have slits at the back. So climb all the stairs you want and walk at a comfortable step with no problem.

-Finally, I would sit down and see if I will be showing any knees or upper thighs. If your skirt goes up when you sit down and you are showing knees and upper thigh, it's immodest! These parts of your body are not to be shown or seen by anyone! The higher the skirt is above the knee, the more you are suggesting something along the lines of easy virtue. If you are not in the "business" don't advertise (I heard a preacher say this!!!).

Tops/Dresses

-A top that has a deep cut neckline is immodest. I honestly feel uncomfortable talking to a girl who has a plunging neckline and I cringe at her carelesness. A low cut top needs to be layered with an undershirt. Otherwise when you fold your arms or bend down...well you got the picture. Besides, you want people to look into your face when you are talking, and not down there. Also tugging on your neckline will attract even more attention if you are doing it repeatedly.

-See through tops and dresses are immodest!!! It is the same thing as a sleeveless, strapless top or dress!

-Dresses that are strapless, spaghetti strap, or halter are all immodest. They are sewn specifically to accentuate a woman's body regions in the most sexually suggestive manner.

Pants

-Pants really lack modesty in many ways. First off, they are designed to fit snugly and therefore hug your curves making them more visible. Secondly they show off a lot when you are walking or running. They may cover your legs all the way, but they still wrap your legs, hips, and bottom like cellophane wrap and they do not cover anything unless paired with a flowy top that reaches below the waist.I know that there's a huge debate about pants and some argue that pants are even more modest than skirts because pants tend to cover more skin than a skirt would. Lets face it, modest skirts are beautiful and feminine and they make you feel like a woman (unlike pants)! Enough said.

Finally, if you are confused on whether something is modest or not, I would solve this dilemma by going against the world's dictations on what is hot and what is not. If the world calls for bare shoulders, open back, and plunging necklines, I will strive to cover my shoulders, back and neckline. If the world rants and raves about how hot their skirts (that you can't even put your foot or hips into) are, you adorn yourself with a beautifully feminine skirt that covers and tucks just at the right places. When the world dares you to flaunt your body, you remember that you are not of this world, and that God has created you in His likeness and you are going to strive for modesty to glorify Him! Go against the world's lies and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove that what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will, of God. Romans 12:2

A Little Warm Encouragement

I heard a very good preacher tell this story. In Siberia during the cold winter months, the inmates of a jail were required to labor at cutting down trees. Winters in Siberia were very cold and these inmates would return to cold and damp baracks. They had one stove which one of the men tried to heat up to warm the room, but since there was nothing to make fire with, this really wasn't effective at heating the room. Of course they grumbled and complained that this man didn't do his job right and they had to go to sleep in wet freezing clothes. Nevertheless, the man told them that everytime they were done working, they should each bring dry sticks or any wood that they could contribute to the stove. Each man did just that and each contributed firewood to warm their baracks. Of course, the room of the baracks filled with the so much yearned for warmth!

It is so important for us Christians to realize that we need to labor together in unity if we are striving for one goal. We need to each bring something into our churches to create that pleasantly warm atmosphere of a spiritually burning flame. If it is a prayer group we need to each bring encouragement, a heart willing to pray, and ears that are willing to listen. If it is a marriage, we need to know what God requires of us to each bring/contribute into a marriage to create that loving, burning flame of a Godly family. If it is singing in a choir, we need to contribute our efforts and our voices to create that one flaming fire that reaches up in praise to God.

WE need to contribute and not look upon one person to pull the weight. Lets make that flame a lil brighter shall we?

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

Giving- yet gaining much more in return...

The whole issue of tithing was never something that was personal to me. I knew that principle existed in the Bible, and we’ve talked about it with a group of fiends before, (Vicky posted about it previously as well ) but I had never made it a commitment in my heart to follow. I gave when I felt like it, and didn’t when I didn’t. Sometimes it met that requirement, and sometimes it didn’t. I had questions about it…but it just wasn’t personal to me. This year at summer youth camp, God began to work in my heart in this specific area...my finances/ tithing. (Thank God!) My life will never be the same.
I will try not to be redundant, as Nadia has already published an entire summary of the camp’s topics (although in my opinion if you were not there then there’s just no way for you to be filled in, you missed a lot and simple words are not capable of bringing you that experience of being there…but of course God can still use those simple words to begin His work in you…)
I’ll try to make this brief (yea right…haha, gottcha there! That’s not possible!)
Well to at least try and make it brief, I will just share with you my post-camp experience and the work that God has been doing in my life for the past couple of weeks. You are about to take a little tour into my blond brain, don’t be offended in any way though, (I don’t really know if the brain is actually blonde…it might be …never mind, I won’t gross you out since you might not be a nursing major like I am…haha..and everyone else I know! (that was a lie- not everyone)) (ooops…tangent…pace yourself here, there are many more of those to come…I warned you…you are officially in my brain)
Okay…back to the serious stuff…don’t mind me, I’ve had a long day, and I’m really trying to focus on not leaving out any important part…

So at one point during the camp, in my heart I had finally made a strong commitment to start tithing. I really felt guilty for not giving to the Lord even the minimum of what I should have a long time ago. God has also been convicting me through the Holy Spirit lately to send a package of some of my clothes to a poor family in Russia. I just felt guilty for having too much clothes, most of which I didn’t even wear. I’m being really honest right here, and ouch! (sometimes the truth hurts…) So…to make it up to God, I had also decided that when I get back from camp, I will go through my closet and get that package ready. Let me emphasize that I had (by the Grace of God of course) firmly made those decisions and by all means, planned to stick to them.
The very first thing that I did when I got back from camp and got my check on Monday, was of course put aside that 10 percent into my brand-new-just-started-fund that belongs to the Lord. To really show you the Amazing work of God, I have to be specific here…so I will let you know the amount as well…5,000 pennies!!! Ta-da! (okay okay, that’s only 50 bux, but be nice, I’m a college student...). (One more quick tangent…silly as this may sound, I was having a battle whether to calculate using the gross or the net amount of the check…of which I am really embarrassed now, but this info will play a role in a minute here).
So in my next stage of accomplishing my goals, (and mainly to get rid of the guilt feeling- which I believe was the Holy Spirit’s gentle reminder) I had gone through my closet and gathered the things which I was going to ship to Russia. I had mentioned to my mom previously that I wanted to send a package to Russia -I think even before the camp, and I remember her saying that it usually takes $50 to ship the package. I didn’t really pay much attention to that, but now that $50 is really starting to be consistent. Over the course of my Christian walk with God, I have learned to hear God’s voice to me through consistencies.
Allow me to now introduce another aspect into this situation…throughout camp, many times this thought was stated that our money is really God’s money and that everything we have is God’s in the first place. (If you want Bible verses scroll down to Nadia’s blog and you shall see…or wait, by now I think you’ll have to click on “see previous posts” because I fear this will take the entire first page!)…I understood that concept with my mind, but it was hard for me to accept in my heart. I just didn’t really fully understand that with my heart- I was leaning more towards the “well I worked for that money, so it’s my money” –excuse. Well… God in His creative and unique ways of teaching me lessons, so kindly and generously helped me to understand this concept in reality. The next week at work…I won Bingo! Guess how much money it was…yep, $50 bux!!!...and check this out…in all of my almost two years of working there, I had never ever before won a bingo game…and it’s happened before where multiple people win, so the money was split…but here, now, totally not a coincidence, I was the only one that won!...My heart was jumping with joy when I found out, not because of the money at all, but because deep in my heart I knew God was teaching me a lesson, and GOD TRUSTED ME WITH THAT MONEY! That money was added into my next check, and of course, it was a clear and vivid example of what it means to receive from the Lord what was HIS in the first place and not mine…I guess it was because I didn’t work for that money, didn’t earn it somehow, and it wasn’t money that I had lent to someone…it was just a free gift from God up above that made me really understand that everything we have is given to us by the grace of God. To start tying up the loose ends here, I really believe that God allowed me to win that money to teach me something more valuable than any amount of money. HE knew my heart, and in my heart I had made a commitment to send a package to Russia, that idea came from Him in the first place (I believe so) and seeing that I was being obedient to His calling, HE PROVIDED the means by which I was to ship that package…go ahead, reach for that tissue…because if you’re not in tears at how Marvelous and Amazing the work of God is in our unworthy lives…then you better get your spiritual vision checked out…because it’s clearly everywhere around us. You see…I was having a hard time wrapping my mind around the truth that we are only stewards of those riches that God trusts us with here on this earth…and this little experience opened my eyes to see that…I think if in our hearts we make a firm commitment to commit to something the Lord calls us to do, HE will provide the means for it because it’s HIS in the first place…
Remember my little battle of whether to give from the gross or the net…well God was also showing me how selfish I was…I had to think twice about giving an extra $10 to God, but later on that week I was willing to spend three times as much on my own selfish wants, (notice it wasn’t even a need)…Okay, since I brought it up, let me explain…So one day I was really exhausted from work and wanted to treat myself to something I really wanted at the time, so…I had made plans that didn’t succeed, and yet I was persistent. I drove to another place in hopes of accomplishing what I wanted…only to find out that they were closing in 5 minutes so I was once again out of luck…ok. So now I was really persistent and totally ignoring God’s voice inside my head that it is silly to spend $30 like that, I drove to yet a third place…and saw the sign in the window that said “open”. Very selfishly I sighed with joy thinking, “yes! I got my way”…haha…God is Great. I park, get out of the car, hopes flying in cloud 10zillion by now, and….the door is locked! Lights are off! The place is c-l-o-s-e-d! (see what I mean by consistencies…) So I drive off home, half mad and half frustrated, and fully embarrassed at the fact that I didn’t listen to God in the first place, wanted to spend $30 wastefully, and only last week was debating weather or not to spend $10 on a good cause.
I know, I know, your poor eyes are probably exhausted by now, but hang in there; I’m coming to a close…
God’s Amazing ways of teaching me lessons never comes to an end…to further show me and help me understand with my heart that truth: that everything we have is from God, which includes the money I make at work, which includes the job that I have in the first place, etc… for the past couple of weeks, it miraculously gets supper busy at work at about the time I need to be off, so I have been staying for at least an extra half an hour if not more almost every day...where as maybe a month ago- I was going home a few hours early because it was so slow…

To sum up what I’ve been trying to express in words for the past couple of hours here, basically I’ve come to learn and understand this truth on a much deeper level. I’ve come to understand that when we make correct decisions as to how to manage our finances for God’s Glory, and with a humble heart give to God, HE gives back so much more in return…not necessarily in money, (although that is seen as well) but in the lessons that become so vivid and clear all of a sudden, and IN THE JOY THAT OVERFILLS one’s heart when they know they are doing something that is glorifying God; which is by all means priceless and not even comparable to any amount of money one could ever receive.

I am constantly being reminded of this little lesson that I was once taught back in the day when I was in Sunday school, and the teacher taught us this analogy that giving to God is like having a piece of paper with four corners…when you give to God, fold one corner…what happens in return is you now have two corners. If you fold another one, you now have 6 and so on…
It’s been years since that lesson was first introduced to me, but it is only now that I am experiencing the reality of that lesson in my life.

My prayer is that everyone who comes across this page may at one point in their life- by the grace of God, if you haven’t already; experience that joy of giving- and gaining so much more in return.

May God’s Name alone be glorified for this post.

p.s. Hope you weren’t offended in any way by my humor…and thanks for taking the tour! (l.o.l.) Blessings!

Love, Love, Love

Dear Ladies,

Every lady has either specifically or unconsciously made a list of "what I want" and "what I need" in a gentleman. So, when meeting someone, she will go for that list and mark off what fits the criteria. These types of lists are natural to the sinful nature within us--it is when we try to and think to achieve happiness by meeting those "important to us" lists.

Please notice that God makes Adam first, not Adam and Eve together. God made Eve only after God saw that Adam cannot find any other creation to be his companion. Point: God is interested in the individual relationship with Him, regardless of marriage status. That being said, if a lady has a strong relationship with God, she will fall in Love with the Jesus INSIDE of the young man, and will not mentally reach for the list that, of course, everyone does have.

There are times when the young man is Godly, a born-again strong Christian and is vividly strong in his faith. However, according to you, he may not have the ideal personality or physical traits or financial status, or family background or educational level...and because of these things, you feel that you don't see yourself with him. Others might point that out too by saying "you need someone taller/bigger/smarter/more confident/older/wiser/more financially stable..."

When you are sure that he is a Godly man, without a doubt...and have doubts about being able to love him...or feel like, "well, Why don't I love him? It must not be From God then.." the real issue is in you! yes, because you have chosen not to Fall in Love with the Jesus in him, but instead you reach for that list of yours!

Love is a choice, a commitment. it is not simply a feeling or affection. if it were only that, it would be inconsistent and completely unpredictable...that is why when pastors marry couples they say their "VOWS" or promises to continue to love. it is a choice to love someone DESPITE a, b, c, d, in him (or lack thereof) that is/isn't on your list.




Think of those big red round bins that float in rivers to separate boats...each bin (i don't know their proper name...if you do please tell me in your comment) represents an aspect of him...(his personality, spirituality, physical appearance, age, finances,...) YOU have weights to attach to the bottom of each red bin. If you use your list, you will put 100 pounds on physical appearance for instance, and 50 pounds to the spirituality aspect. If you are a Woman of God, who seeks Him and is now in Love with JESUS...then you would put the most weight on the man's love for God...and everything else will fall into 'secondary' or not important at all!! SO please, ladies, analyze yourselves and those lists and remember, Love is a choice. There is a threat to miss a blessed marriage simply because the priorities are misplaced due to our sinful nature to make our own happiness, knowing all along that true Happiness lies in Him, and He wants us to acknowledge that.

Another point is that there is no ONE PERSON for each lady. God will and can Bless ANY TWO PEOPLE who truly seek Him, Love Him and have a strong relationship with HIM!!! God's interested in forming you and continuously work on you so that you may be the perfect vessel you were meant to be. Most of the time, you will be challenged through marriage not because your marriage is bad or you are a bad wife, but because God Loves you So much, He sent you a gentleman who will, through marriage (and tought times), help you grow in patience, wisdom, humbleness, submissiveness, generosity, prayer...or whatever it may be That God meant to fix up in you!

This conversation was led by God when my friends (a newly engaged couple)shared their thoughts and experiences on the topic...so, of course, my life wouldn't be complete unless I shared!

Ladies, God will bless you when You search for Him in the potential husband. Everything else will come from above and into place. you know why? Because you Trusted Love Himself, because you love Love, and Love wants your heart completely.
continue to be completely in love with Jesus.

=)Be Blessed sisters!

My Finances for the Glory of God

Did you know that the bible talks more about money then of faith and prayer both combined? In God's Word we see money as being closely linked to salvation. Some of the biblical examples are John the Baptist in Luke 3:10-14 , the story of Zacheus, the rich young man who sought the answer of how he could inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-25), Ananias and Sapphira who's tragic deaths were all because of keeping what they owed to God (Acts 5), and the poor widow who gave all that she had (Luke 21:4). To tie these illustrations in one bouqet, lets examine what Jesus and some others say about all this money talk. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 (emphasis added)

Paul writes to Timothy: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10 emphasis added)

Well then what happens to those that do fall for the glitz and the glam of money? Fortunately the bible doesn't fail to warn us extensively about this topic as well.

Recall Gehazi's greed and his punishment (2 Kings 5). Despite Solomon's wisdom, we see how his riches and foreign wives bring in many gods and rituals, which have an influence on Solomon and thereby lead him away from serving God. Finally, there is Jude who betrayed Jesus for money, but later hangs himself. The personal conclusion that you could come to is that God will never let a person die happy and satisfied if that person traded God for money.

As God's followers we are called to glorify God in every aspect of our life's. As we look upon the almighty greatness and beauty of God, we cannnot but look in awe with praise bursting out of our lips! The beauty of Lake Tahoe, the magnificense of the California forests, the grandeur of Half Dome in Yosemite Park this all makes us exclaim in wonder and call our family and friends over to where we are standing to see the beauty we had discovered. This is the reaction of looking upon our Lord and knowing that I myself am happy and this happiness is radiating in my life and the purpose for which I am living here on earth. Our purpose in life is evident here: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him Colossians 1:16 (emphasis added) God created us for His glory and our purpose is none other than to glorify Him.

How does glorifying God relate to money? Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45,46

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 6

In the way that I translate this, is that when we find Jesus, he is so precious to us, that we are ready to give away/rid ourselves of anything in order to have Him glorified. Therefore the happiness of God radiates through us for His glory.

God is our Creator, therefore He gave us the abilities to work and make money that belongs to Him. But how much of God's money do we leave to ourselves?

Deutoronomy 10:14, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 50:10, Job 41:11 has all but one answer: ALL belongs to God.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28 (I earn to give).

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (God is blessing me so that I in turn will bless others.)

Then comes up the question of tithing. But isn't this all that God wants us to give and the rest is ours?

From Leviticus 27:30, Deutoronomy 14:22, Proverbs 3:9, and Malachi 3:10, we can conclude that tithing is a standard, but not evidence of spirituality. Lets look at a different picture and you judge for yourselves. Leviticus 22:18, Numbers 15:3, and Exodus 36 show us the people who voluntarily gave above and beyond the tithe. David prays: But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14

Acts 4:32-35 is a beautiful illustration of a church who lacked in nothing, but gave wholeheartedly. Therefore we cannot but say that it all comes down to the condition of our heart. If we are pure in heart, mind, and soul, it will inevitably show in how we give of our earnings. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 19:21

Consider these two accounts.

King Tut a boy who died at a young age. History books are full of evidence of the enormous wealth and riches that he posessed. When archeologists opened his grave, it was laiden in gold with chariots to transport the dead to the next life. You see the Egyptians had a belief that those chariots and gold could transport them into the next world or life.

William Borden was an aspiring missionary and a passionate follower of Christ who had all the fortunes in the world, but he chose to travel to do missionary work amidst Muslims. He stopped in Egypt hoping to learn Arabic there and move on to China. Tragically, he contracted spinal meningitis and died a short week later. On his tombstone was this inscription: "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life"http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/regret.htm.

Let me close with this quote from Randy Alcorn. "Materialism results from a failure to realize that we were made for only one person (Jesus) and one place (heaven). Those of us who know Christ will one day be with him in heaven. Until then, nothing else can satisfy us."

This content was in no way put together by me. This is a short summary and translation of the six lessons that our church youth recieved from our youth leader Roman T. at our summer camp.

Where Is The Light?...

Here's a thought that may be new to someone, or simply understood differently when viewed from a different angle...

As I'm watching the postscript to one of the lessons in the Truth Project series, Dr.Del Tackett makes an interesting discovery...funny, and yet sad at the same time that we don't put much though into it...

Here's a quick summary of what he says: (forgive me if I leave out something important or add something unnecessary...not my intentions)

One day his son was getting something out of the closet, and he noticed that when the closet door was opened, it was light inside! When he got in the closet and closed the door, however, it was dark inside...he got back out, opened the door, and once again it was light! His discovery was that when there is darnkess and light present, light overtakes the darkness. Darkness does not overtake the light...
The connection he makes to that principle is this: If darkness is spreading thorugh the land, it's not because someone opened a box of "darkness", it's because someone is hiding the light...or Jesus is removing the lampstand from it's place...
( Revelation 2:5 (New American Standard Bible)
5'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent.)

Not to make this complicated, (because there was a whole lesson before that which related to this...and it may not make sence to you if you have no clue what i'm talking about)...but I just thought it was really a neat discovery!...not because it's new...I mean, come'on now...we all know that it's dark in the closet... (that's why most kids close their closet doors before they go to sleep...cuz their scared of the dark)...but because even though we know that light overpowers the darkness...often times we are afraid to shine, and hence, we hide our light...so the world remains a dark place...
This little 3 minute lesson caused me to re-analyze if that someone who is hiding their light could be me at certain times...

We need to be bold, and know that light overpowers darkness! Let's not hide!!!

(I understand that this topic is way deep and beyond the few lines that I've mananged to scrible here, but I hope you get the point correctly. To those who are in the process of going through the Truth Project series...this was in the postscript to lesson 10...)

Blessings!

{Discouraged much?? Story Time! ...theres a prize at the end!}

It took me more than 3 tries to log in because I've forgotten my password. Shame on me!

Well folks, interestingly enough, as I was thinking about sharing something God gave me, Nat so wonderfully introduced the topic...sort of.

It was 5pm and I was feeling pumped up and ready for a nice long relaxing jog. My "routine" had been broken with various occasions our church had..so I knew I wouldnt run a marathon.

If any of you know, the Sun (with a capital s) in lil ol' sacramento does an extraordinary job shinin his face, even at 5 in the the eve...so much that the numerous shades and shadows of trees have been layed off. ha ha.

I get out and start running...my mind starts with a prayer as I look at all the beautiful plants and trees God created...squirrels, rabbits...goats even (i saw goats!)...it's been about 25 minutes when an older gentlemen who came out to water his yard waves, smiles and shouts "a bit too hot for that eh?"
I smile back and breath out "oh its fine"...waving my hand in return.

and that's when it hit me...when I passed his house, it was as if the earth was a golf ball and I'm standing on it, all 5'6.5" tall and the sun decides to see and shine only on me. My forehead was creating bomb size sweat as my brain started to scream "you're the Only genius on this planet earth to run at 5 in the evening!!!!" and of course, my eyeballs examine the streets around me to concur as no other living being was around me...no more bunnies, squirrels or goats, not even flowers.

Funny that I didn't notice the heat or discomfort until someone pointed it out...and the mind grabs on to that particular statement as if for dear life, to make me stop.

In a Christian's life, it's similar. You do something good for the soul, and it might seem so bizarre to the world...However, living a Godly life should be bizarre and not ordinary to the people who are non believers. Sometimes however, we might hear "wow, do you really need to be at church 4 days a week??!!" and it's as if Satan himself wants to convince you that you don't need it or it's too much for you to handle...or what have you.

well, I continued to jog but required to be my own cheerleader...so as I start to listen to my cells yelling at me to stop and I notice I'm slowing down...and my cheers went from "you can do it!!!!" to "five more minutes"...I started to think...what if I can pretend there's a prize at the end...like A MILLION DOLLARS!!

And.. I stopped. no, not because I was tired, because I was laughing so hard!!!
You see, recently, our youth has received great messages from God about analyzing our priorities in life and how we misuse the finances God gave us(nadia will share)..and how people are always drawn to the root of all evil--money!

The reason i was laughing is because although I heard the message and praised God for it...instead of thinking of Jesus or Heaven as my "prize at the end" I quickly jumped to the green paper!!!!!!!!!! And once more, I thanked Him for showing me that sinful nature in me so that I can completely be transformed by Him, run through the race called life with Jesus, to reach my Heavenly Father...waiting at the end.

Be Blessed,
Victoria

coming soon.....

Hello everyone and thank you for visiting this site...
I know there has not been any new posts for a while now, but just wanted to get your hopes up...
very soon there will be a few posts dedicated to the topic we recently studied at our church youth camp...

"My Finances for God's Glory"....
stay tuned.....

(Nachos...hhhmm....tick-tock-tick-tock... lol...joking...take your time, take your time...)

You Chose Me

this song was inspired by a close friend's story...


I WAS BROKEN, TIRED...LIVING MY LIFE
MINUTE BY MINUTE
I WAS SEARCHING, YEARNING, LOOKING FOR PURPOSE
MINUTE BY MINUTE


I WAS AFRAID, THE CHAINS OF MY SINS
WERE TRAPPING ME IN
I COULDN'T BREATHE

I HEARD YOUR VOICE, SWEET CRYSTAL CLEAR
I SAW YOUR HANDS, OFFERING LOVE...

YOU CHOSE ME TO LIVE
I'M PART OF YOUR PLAN
HONORED I AM...YOU GAVE ME FREEDOM
LORD I LOVE TO BE YOUR CHILD
LOVE TO BE YOUR CHILD

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME...
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME...
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME.

I WAS HURTING, ANXIOUS, LIVING MY LIFE
MINUTE BY MINUTE
I WAS HUNGRY, THIRSTY, BELIEVING THE LIES
OF THIS WORLD...


I WAS AFRAID, THE CHAINS OF MY SINS
WERE TRAPPING ME IN
I COULDN'T BREATHE

I HEARD YOUR VOICE, SWEET CRYSTAL CLEAR
I SAW YOUR HANDS, OFFERING LOVE...

YOU CHOSE ME TO LIVE
I'M PART OF YOUR PLAN
HONORED I AM...YOU GAVE ME FREEDOM
LORD I LOVE TO BE YOUR CHILD
LOVE TO BE YOUR CHILD

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME...
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME...
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME.

My Eyes Tell it All

From a recent visit with a young lady at a youth detention facility. July 2009
She walks in. An abrupt hi is the answer to my greeting. She looks lost and cornered in. I look into her face when she sits down and I immediately notice her eyes.
They say that the eyes are the window of the soul and I believe that it is so. The eyes tell all. In this particular young woman, I had to almost look away because there was just so much hurt, bitterness, hate, and sadness in them.
When I ask her how strong is her faith in God on a scale of weak, medium, or strong, this young woman, answered medium, but added, "I''m about to lose it." Years of abuse, neglect, failure, and making the wrong choices in life brought her to this place. She is a young mother locked up awaiting placement in a foster home and not knowing if she will see her baby again. She is a daughter who's parents refuse to visit her even on court dates. She has a weak perception of who God trully is even though she sat in church pews and prayed earnestly. When the topic of prayer came up she told me that before her prayers were answered, but now even though she prays, God doesn't answer her prayers. Everything has been getting worse and worse. Then her eyes mist over with tears and she looks defeated. She tries to change her ways, but she keeps on repeating her mistakes over and over!
She admits that while she's locked up, she reads the bible more often as well as prays but when she's on the "outs" she does neither.
God cannot be like a light switch which you turn on and off she tells me (she tells ME!) and I nod a yes.
But yet she doesn't see this getting better is what I see her eyes saying silently.
Such hopelessness and yet there is a solution to all her problems that is just a fingertip away!
And that is God alone...
If you desire a relationship with someone, you get to know them from head to toe to interests, to likes and dislikes...
You desire to talk with them all the time. You desire their presence near you constantly. You continuously seek them...and when you stumble and fall knee deep into a muddy pit, you cry out for that person that you trust and hold dear. It is only Jesus.
God washes away the mud, the scars, aches, and webs of sins from our heart and then we walk with Him by faith, and only by faith.
To get to know God and to trully seek Him is when you will see faith grow and soar ever higher. You will have to endure times when faith is tested...to the limit, but it will show the honesty of your heart and how much you really love Jesus. Is it with all your being or 3/4 of it?
With these words I ask God to give this young lady hope and continuous zeal to seek the Truth. I ask God to bless her and to give her strength. Finally, I ask Him to give her one more chance and that she may once again be able to hold her little baby in her arms. She walks out of the room but I still have a picture of those eyes that continuosly remind me to continue praying and giving hope to the hundreds of other young women incarcerated and lost...
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...Matthew 7:7

She is running

A hundred miles an hour

in the wrong direction

She is trying

But the canyon's ever widening

In the depths of her cold heart

So she sets out on another misadventure just to find

She's another two years older

And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her?

Can anybody see?

Or does anybody even know she's going down today

Under the shadow of our steeple

With all the lost and lonely people

Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

- Casting Crowns lyrics

The Bridge that Joins the Two...

It’s the bridge that joins the two…a world of chaos and a world of peace and order…
On one side you have the fast lanes of the freeway, the sound of speeding cars trying to reach their destinations…who knows where they are going…who knows if they will even get there…
Life’s too short to keep on moving, zooming through it at the speed of light….
This is when I like the other side to turn to…a world of peace and order…
Here, the water calmly flows, the soft wind touches your face- drying all your tears away…
Here, my soul is filled with peace, joy, and comfort at the thought of Jesus…
Here, I find strength to renew my mind, here I feel God’s presence…
It is here where I find hope in the future which lies ahead of me,
And it's here where I look up…and with a humble heart say, “Jesus, you have brought me here this far, through the fast lanes of the freeways, pain and sorrow You allowed, just to make me stronger…
You have brought me throut so much, that which I could never go through…if it hadn’t been for You, here to lift me when my hart is aching.
Here, you show me two extremes, that the life of fast paced chaos…only wears out my poor soul, and no matter how fast I go…there will always be a road ahead- one that’s never ending…
And the other side of this…if my life were only calm and quiet…not much action, not much pain…I’d get sick of it in no time…
Here you open up my eyes, to see that bride that joins the gap...
A world of peace, and a world of chaos.
And even though I can’t escape, not one world and not the other…they are both a great big part in my lifelong, earthly journey.
Thank you Jesus for allowing me, to see the beauty of this bridge…
Not in physical appearance…not just in the landscape scenes, or the quietness around it…but the content that it brings…the deep meaning that’s behind it…
It’s the bridge between two worlds…a world of chaos, and a world of peace and order,
It’s the bridge where I find peace in the midst of all the chaos…
It’s the bridge where I find hope, for the fast and untold future…
Here, Your presence fills my heart…
And I thank You Father, truly.”

*I Love You Jesus*

Do you find yourself realizing that the people we tend to spend most of our time with are the people we love? The more time we spend with someone, the more we want to get to know that someone, and the more we realize how much we love that someone…sounds familiar? Maybe?...I guess you could take this in as if I were talking about a prince charming…(every girls dream! Hehe) ….and yes, it could be, …only I haven’t met my ‘prince charming’ yet,- so in this post…I’ll be referring to a different Prince Charming…ONE of everyone’s dreams…
I find that the more time I spend with God’s Word, the more I see God’s Glory. The more I see HIS Glory, the more It draws me in…my heart is filled with Praises to the LORD and I Glorify God in my heart as I read about the wonders of HIS works…HIS Wonders to the people of Israel, HIS Mercy and Loving-kindness, HIS Wrath, HIS Forgiveness, HIS Grace, etc…the list is never ending. It always amazes me that no matter how much time one spends with the BIBLE, there will ALWAYS be more to learn and more to study. Our GOD is Infinite. At times it’s hard for my mind to grasp the meaning of that, I want to fill up my head with all the knowledge of GOD there is…that’s not possible either. God is INFINITE and we will never reach the full understanding and knowledge of HIM here on earth…never the less…this only motivates me to spend even more time in a relationship with God. Since HE is Infinite, there will always be something more that HE will reveal to me when I seek HIM.
I find this to be like a continuous circle: the more time I spend with the Word of God, the more I am inspired by the God of the universe, the more I Glorify God, the more I pray. I pray as a response to that overwhelming feeling in my heart, the joy, the love, the peace the Glory that I want to give back to HIM, my heart is praying to the ONE Who deserves this Glory. The more I pray, the more I want that feeling to come back, so here I go again, I read, rejoice, I Glorify the Lord. He answers prayers, once again, putting HIS Glory on Display….
It’s a relationship that never ends…there is no limit. It makes me realize how much I love God, and how much I depend on HIM to keep me going. (Let’s not forget however, that the Bible says that if we LOVE Him, we obey HIS Word…in order to obey It, we must read It.)

I want to encourage everyone to long for this relationship with God, to be filled with HIS Glory and in response, Glorify HIM…then come back to the Source of that which shows HIS Glory, and Glorify HIM even more…
~Blessings

"RIP Dima Tsverinko"

RIP DIMA TSVERINKO

What Just happened, an accident?
How can this be? What’s going on, I’m in so much pain I’m all covered in blood?
What’s wrong with me legs I can’t feel them
It wasn’t my fault I promises you I looked both ways it wasn’t my fault,
OH Dear God Please Help me Don’t Let me die.
Where are they taking me? "Sir Can you hear me, sir can you open your eyes?" Oh Lord Help me please, Save my Life
I’m so young, this can't be it i just got Married and we are expecting a baby i can't die, I can't leave Nastya and the baby, "sir stay with us, can you hear me? I'm loosing him, we need to operate now"
My Body went through so much, doctors worked on me for a long time fighting for my life trying everything in there power to save me, but my soul left my body, what's happening now? I can see my body on the table, And the doctors all Around me and i could see my family and friends in sorrow weeping so loud, I wanted to comfort them, I wanted to hug my beautiful wife and tell her I Love her, I seen my mom, dad and my family I wanted to tell them that I missed them so much and I really was looking forward to seeing them but I couldn’t, So what's going on? Why can’t they see me? Why don’t they talk back to me?
And The Light is so bright out here, where am I?
Dima It is time,
Angel said, time for what did I die? Time for us to go I'm taking you home, there you won’t feel any pain, so this is it I won’t see my family and friend again? I won’t hug my wife and tell her I love her? But I can’t leave my wife and unborn child, who will look out for them and take care of them if I’m not here? I will take care of them GOD answered,
I will Help your family and friends get through this hard time, they will feel sorrow and pain, they will say we lost a good person, but that's not true, i have taking you in to my kingdom, they will ask me “WHY, WHY have you taking him way from us, he was so young?”
My answer is I know best I am your GOD for I do things you don't understand now, but you will soon.
And as for your family and Friends you will soon be reunited with them in heaven
So GOD opened the Gates of heaven and took Dima from this earth.
Dima was a big part of our life he was Our Friend and our Brother in Christi, He was a Husband, a soon to be Father, a Son and a Brother. he will live in our memories and our heart for ever.
Dima Tsverinko had a Big Heart he was always willing to help others
He Was Always there when you where down,
His sense of humor always lifted up your sprit
He was one of the happiest people I ever known
He was a really good friend you could ever ask for.
DIMA You will be missed deeply


By Alina Gurskiy

{three thoughts and a thank you}

It's so nice to get messages from God when you least expect it...He never fails to impress me, and His interest in molding me into a Child of His is so mind boggling....who am I that He would care for me so?? I will never be able to grasp God's unconditional love.

I was privileged to visit a church in Roseville where 2/3 messages were provided. This church service style was completely not what I grew up with. Think Desert vs Ocean. yea, that big of a difference. Where we kneel down to our knees to pray, they lift up their arms, where we sing with slight emotions in our eyes, their whole body reflects all they feel through praise and worship. Neither is more "correct"...God told me....for just as each child has a unique relationship with his/her parents, and requires a unique approach in return, so is Our Heavenly Father with us, His children.


Is there anything you can claim as entirely yours? Tithing has never been an issue in my life...Our church calls us to tithe as the Bible does, however, they never guilt us into doing it..There is a system at our church to give monthly...and that's what most people do. To give additionally, however, is done voluntarily. The church I visited literally blew me away by the way their family Thrives to GIVE TO GOD. I mean these people wip out their calculators and before spending even on a piece of gum, they give the 10% OF WHAT GOD GAVE THEM!. This is where I was convicted by the Spirit. I never really saw it from the perspective of giving God the first of His present to you.

If we really, I mean TRULY believe in God and His word...then we cannot help but act upon the calling of being a leader of faith, and advocate of truth. Starting with the most simple of things...and ready to be called into the most challenging ones of all. The pastor of the Roseville church shared a scenario: walking through the mall with his wife he notices a new store, a bathing suit store. A Huge poster of a young gentleman is hung in the front as a welcoming sign....except that when they see it in full...he is wearing nothing but bottoms...so low that the pubic hair is shown. yea, sorry...not very pleasant to read, i know. THE PASTOR IS OUTRAGED at this....I am sure I would be too...and hopefully all of you who may be reading this. I would continue to be upset, maybe shake my head in disgust and think about how the world is just going downhill.

BUT THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO LEAD!! the pastor walks into the store, speaks to the manager, who refers him to the Admin of the entire mall. The Pastor vocalizes his concern, describing it as "molesting kids' minds" by presenting inappropriate pictures in a public mall where kids and teens are. This served as a great reminder and example for me personally.

One day as I was working I realized how much it didn't seem like I was at WORK...I genuinely enjoyed the rewarding feeling of caring for others and all that is included in doing so. At that moment I felt such gratitude that God lead me to become a Nurse...I could have made so many mistakes if I would pick and follow my random hobbies and passions (music, art, teaching) But My Father in Heaven has provision and by His love lead me to this calling. I will thank Him for it every day of my life. I encourage everyone to seek His guidance in everything...even where to work =)

Blessings,
victoria

Here's a video of the cutest preacher! Makes you just smile!

"HOPE is the ability to hear the music of the future

FAITH is the courage to dance to it today"

"Strong Woman vs. Woman of Strength"

"A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape, but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything, but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her, but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman walks sure footedly, but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face, but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey, but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong."

True Education

Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them (God’s commandments) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Here is a great article from a teacher's perspective! I was amazed at the conclusion he came to about public schooling and even about Christian schools! Wow!
http://www.collegeplus.org/acceleration/a-teacher-learns-the-truth-about-education

You Are Known

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God..."

Luke 1:30

...let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31

(Boaz to Ruth)...for all my townsmen know that you are a worthy woman...Ruth 3:11

...she (Tabitha) was full of good works and acts of charity...Acts 9:36

Oh how many women of this day and age can be described in such a way? Favorable, praiseworthy, Godly? As a woman, are your works praised at your city's "gates"? How many of women out there who"s dress, actions, words tell people around them that they are trully Godly women? If you were to look into the world's picturesque display of a typical woman in magazines, television, books, it is widely seen how the world favors women. By "favor" I mean how very often television (especially) doesn't fail to draw a picture for us of a slanderous, gossiping woman. Many times it takes one glance at the clothing and the manner itself and you already (as the viewer) get about 99.9% of who the woman really is.

Lets narrow down the woman in the home. How is television (I have to pick on television because it is after all the window to the world...correct me if I'm wrong) show us a typical wife, mother, or daughter? Is it often times positive? Is there conflict in the family? Why? Who sets the mood in the home?

How often do we see modern day Ruth's, Esthers, Mary's, or those who can be described as a proverbs 31 woman? How are we as women known by our family, friends, and the people in the world in general? Can we trully be called Godly, favorable, worthy, etc by the world today?

Are you that precious jewel (Proverbs 31:10) that continues to shine with kindness, patience, wisdom, dilligence, femininity, godliness... ?

I apply these questions first to myself. By reading about the godly women in the bible, I see how much I can learn from Ruth, Esther, Mary, the proverbs 31 woman, Tabitha...etc. I want to be just like these women through their amazing examples. It is trully God's plan to preserve the story's of these women in the Holy Bible for us 21st century women to look upon, read, and trully become those women that God will see as worthy in His eyes.

Interesting guy's perspective about women's dress. This video was made for teen girls 6-12th grade, but I believe it still applies to all ages. Let me know what you think.

Loud and Deadly

This is perhaps the only muscle in our body that we don't have to train to be more stronger and better built like our abs, arms, legs, etc. We don't have to worry about doing a series of workouts that will improve its performance or appearance. We don't need a specific diet for it, or certain amount of vitamins and health foods to make it healthier. No nothing at all. But nevertheless, I would not be mistaken to say that this is one of the most powerful muscles in our body. Able to kill, scar, bruise, shatter, break, and just in general leave a huge path of destruction behind when it gets out of control.
Used in everyday speech and food-chewing, this organ is very much essential to the human. Sounds harmless, but if you've ever heard a driver pull down a window and scream numerous word sentences that make your ears wilt (goodness! Just because you cut him off accidentally) or a woman "sharing" noisily her feelings about "this girl that took away my man", you begin to realize how very sharp and deadly this organ can be.
I am a witness to how much the tongue can damage a person. Gossip, slander, and just the wrong words at the wrong time, can seriously do some damage. Some people even said that they would rather get physical scars that they can see and nurse to health rather than the emotional scars that are inflicted by the actions of the tongue and take forever to heal.
As women, we tend to have a weakness of the tongue. I'm sorry, but I will be blatant. The bible has a lot to say about the tongue and of course specifically the bible has some words for us women (Proverbs 21:9, 21:19) In general, Proverbs is very much full of advice and examples of what a wise and a foolish person says and does. Therefore, read Proverbs everyday in addition to whatever else you're reading.There's lots of wisdom in those verses. Need I say more?
Women have a lot of influence in their homes and in their societies. Look at the biblical woman Esther and how she hugely impacted her people and all because she knew her role as queen and her responsibility before God and her people. Look at Mary, Jesus' mother in her obedience and humbleness she became the mother of our Saviour! This is just a few of the women in the bible who made a positive impact and serve a great example even today for all of us ladies! That impact also comes largely from what these women said (the bible shows us the dialogues of these women).
As I said, the tongue is a witty muscle that doesn't need some special workout to be healthy and strong. All you have to do is talk. Of course, the way you use it, will condemn you when you are at the throne of God. Please guard your tongue. Understand that through this small, almost innocent organ, can result lots of emotional destruction of the person who is hearing you. Lets be like the Proverbs 31 woman. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26 And lets understand: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." Proverbs 18:21.


Here are all the references about the tongue in the bible. http://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/topicalreference.html?keyword=Tongue

Stupid in America

The current condition of the public "education" in America.

Raking leaves....What's in it for me?

As I take a rake from the big bin of different gardening tools, I try to find an area with the most dried leaves/ dry grass/ that needs to be cleaned up, and I start to wobble from side to side. Going as slow as I possible can so that I can do the least amount of actual physical work, while appearing to be working- stretching the time so that I can get my two hours of volunteer work checked off. Moving probably at the rate of 2 feet/ 5-10 minutes, I find little distractions to slow me down even more. This is MY saturday. MY day off. Why should I be doing this when I could be doing so many other things at this given time on this beautiful early saturday morning- like sleeping in for example.

Because my little sister goes to this "Fine Arts/Music Charter School", it is mandatory to have so many hours of parent volunteer work every semester in order for the students to be able to graduate. Since my parents both volunteering still does not meet the required hours, I get to be the lucky one to pitch in a few hours as well.

As the feelings of frustration start to rise, the pride begins to build, I am too good for this. This kind of work is not for me. What do I get out of it? Like the school even cares that I am here to rake the dry leaves that fall from trees, which not to mention will fall down again in 5 minutes when the wind blows to an area where I just cleaned, and then another person will come up behind me and rake the same area once again to kill more time and get his hours checked off as well...How does this benefit me? By giving my hands blisters and my back sore muscles the next day? (which is what happens when you start doing physical labor work after not doing any at all in a while...practically) No one will know how good or bad I worked. No one will come to check my work. No one will thank me for my work, acknoledge it, correct it. No one will care. I'm here to work off the needed hours. period. there is nothing more to that.

....

I stop myself in the midst of such thoughts and try to shift my mind to thinking optimistically. This kind of work builds strenght. It gets my mind off things. It gives me time to think, to pray, to listen to my mp3 player (which in fact I was doing- listening to a sermon on a Bible Study lesson I had missed previously- which I had been meaning to listen to for months but found no time, untill now that is)...

I was thinking hard of a lesson I could learn and take away from this experience. There had to be more than just doing routine work for no purpose.

...As my two hours of volunteer work slowly come to an end, and I try to summarize the lesson I will take away from this, it starts to make sence. Beautiful. Now we're getting somewhere.

It was as if I had to be there that exact day, listening to that exact sermon, thinking those exact thoughts for the bigger picture to all come together. The truths that God continued to reveal to me convicted me, and showed me who I really was.

What a selfish heart I had...Not caring to do good work if I had no benefit from it, if it didn't somehow now or later bring me any good or profit, if it was just for the sole purpose of practicing doing good work without benefiting me- I didn't want to do it.

Selfish. Caring only for myself. prideful. thinking I was better. searching for self benefit in all I do, and if it didn't bring it- you could count me out of it.

...In the last 10 minutes of my time at the school, I think I did more work than I had the whole hour and 50 minutes I had been there. My soul was crying out to God both in repentance and in praises for showing me the condition I was in.

Throught my previous thoughts and actions, I was able to see the selfish being that I was. still am in some cases. Caring only for my own interest, my own benefits, my own selfish self...

Does not the Bible teach us to practice doing good work? Not to take that verse out of context here, but wasn't this a chance for me to practice doing good work even though no one was around to see it? Even though no one would thank me for it later? Even though I would personally not benefit a tiny bit from it?....

...Driving home, my heart was overflowing with joy at the fact that in such a short amount of time, (which by the way I could have spent just hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock 1o times untill I felt I was ready to get up)), God was at work in my heart- revealing to me the person I was and the person I needed to be.

...Praises to the Lord for teaching us the lessons that we need at appropriate times in our lives to shape our character and personality to what God wants to see...

~Blessings.