Define “Christian”...

I asked a friend a simple question, so I thought, in the middle of a conversation: “Are they Christian?”
Her answer wasn’t “yes” or “no”, but: “Define Christian…”
A little odd at first it seemed to me, but then I began thinking…
Well, how should I define myself…what did I mean by asking that, and …can one really know for sure about another if they’re Christian…?
For a minute there I sat just thinking, you clearly can’t define a Christian by saying they attend a church, or that their family was Christian…they dress appropriately, act mature, or even say their Christian… one is not defined a Christian based on if they pray, or fast, or even preach…for all these things can be misleading. What if one’s kind, and sweet, and goodness- never curses… or if one knows the Bible very well and even uses it occasionally for his purpose…what if one says he knows so much about a God…but is HE his God?...What if… one lives his life just thinking he’s a Christian…And can one live accordingly abiding Scriptures, and yet not be a Christian?
What is then…what word, what phrase…what sentence can define a Christian?

Give Thanks

How was your Thanksgiving day? Was it one more memorable day to be reminded how blessed you and your family are? I had a wonderful time being with an amazing family that invited me, my family and several friends to their Thanksgiving dinner. We were a diversified bunch, with Slavic and American guests all gathered together at this event. We had a great potluck dinner with lots of psalm singing, sharing the significance of Thanksgiving, and what we are thankful for. We all agreed to the fact, that we should be thankful for all the things we take for granted in our daily lives. One elderly Slavic woman pointed out that she is still tremendously grateful for the abundance of bread because in her childhood she lived through a time when there was literally nothing to eat. Her father passed away from hunger and to this day she is afraid to even drop one crumb on the floor because she values what God abundantly provides on America's tables! She said that if she sees food on the floor, she will move it to where the birds can eat it. Wow! Another young woman shared how she is thankful that God gives her hope. Hope in the future and hope for her life. A man shared how he is thankful for his wife of 22 years and for God being so patient with him throughout his life.
I am thankful for one more year of God providing His mercy and grace to me. I am thankful for His Word that tells of examples of men and women who have lived their lives and have left their lessons for me to learn. I am thankful for my family and that my parents are happily married for 30 years now. I'm thankful for my fiance, who I treasure as my gift from God.

God Wants to Make an Example of Us

I wanted to share a message I heard from a pastor that really spoke to my heart this past Sunday. He told us that he was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and that he was encouraged by the doctor's to get surgery to remove the cancer from different parts in his body. The issue was that he had to get so many areas inside of him removed, he wondered if there will be anything left inside of him to continue living. He remembered that one man from his church had cancer and had went through surgery five years ago (I believe I heard right that it was 5 years ago). The pastor went to this man to ask if the surgery helped in any way and to seek his advice. In the end, the pastor was encouraged enough to go through with his surgery.
When the pastor was almost about to leave the hospital to go home after his hospital stay, he found out that the doctor's could not remove the tumor (that has grown to the size of a fist and grew into the main artery leading to the heart which could cause severe bleeding and death if the artery was punctured while cutting out the tumor) and closed him back up again without doing anything.
In the end, the pastor said that he realized that God makes examples out of those people that die early from cancers or other diseases. God wants us to be examples to others and this is including even in a state of illness or early death.
I listened to this pastor, and I understood his message well. God wants me to be an example to others even through my sufferings. He made this pastor be a living example of a man with a terrible sickness, but one who was THANKFUL to God for sending him trials and worries. The pastor was most likely heard and understood on a much deeper level that day because of his personal testimony and his reaction to it.

Amazing Little Storyteller :)

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

When Tragedy Strikes a Church Family

It seems that at times a congregation takes one hit after the other. Deaths in the congregation, tragic accidents that leave a member paralyzed, numerous families losing their jobs to the recession, and the list goes on and on. One can't help but stand in disbelief of the never ending grief that this causes. The hardest thing is to understand why. Why!

But I realize that my job as a believer in Jesus Christ is to have faith. Yes, I can think about the many reasons of why this would happen, but I will exhaust myself and most likely never come up with a definite reason. I, as a mere speck on the face of this globe, will never be able to fully know why God permits such things.

When I imagine myself looking through God's lens at this world, I realize how undeserving I am of even turning my face towards heaven and asking "Why?" But God gave me His answers in His Word. What my human grain of a brain does understand is that the church is the body of Christ. Unity is needed in His body, but when there is disunity, God corrects.

What I see is the transformations that occurs in the body of Christ.Through the pain and sorrow, a people come together and unite as a family. Helping hands reach out to those that were forgotten and needy. Selfish needs take the last row of priorities-others are priority now. Money going to personal needs is now redirected to where God needs them at the moment. In a time of trials, God can teach numerous lessons at once. But we are perfected, we are made better after our walk in the valley of the shadows. I am not a prophet nor am I giving an answer in how to interpret trials. All I can do is direct you, dear reader, to the Bible through which we can glimpse in God's lens.

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of. -Charles Spurgeon

ЕГО ПОМОЩНИЦА

Here is a very fun blog by a Russian homeschooling mom. Enjoy!
http://pomoshnitsa.blogspot.com/

Video Speaks for Itself part 2

Video Speaks for Itself Part 1

Something to Think About

The sin of Pilate:
What it means for us today

In John 19:11, we read that during the trial and crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus replies to Pontius Pilate: “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.”

The Greater Sin

So first, we must ask: what specific sin is Jesus referring to here, by saying “the greater sin”? Today it’s common to hear that all sins are the same and that there is no such thing as a greater sin or a lesser sin. However, if this were true – Jesus would not have used the term “greater sin.” But what is this sin Jesus is describing? Is He saying that only the Jews are responsible for delivering their Messiah to be crucified? Or is Pilate also guilty of sin, to some extent, for his role in the crucifixion of Christ.

Matthew Henry, the famous preacher and Bible commentator from the 1600’s explains this passage, saying: “First, it is plainly intimated that what Pilate did was sin, a great sin.” He then paraphrases Christ’s words, to express the meaning more clearly: “He that delivered me unto thee lies under greater guilt; for thou as a magistrate hast power from above, and art in thy place, thy sin is less than theirs who, from envy and malice, urge thee to abuse thy power.”

The Scripture also clarifies the sin of Pilate in Acts 4:26-27 where the apostles quote from Psalm 2, saying “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”

So the Scriptures clearly lay sin to the charge of Pilate for his role in the crucifixion of Christ; but what of the Scripture in Matthew 27:23-25? Here, we find Pilate replying to an angry mob wanting to crucify Christ. He says: “Why, what evil hath he done?” And then, the Scriptures record that “He took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and our children.”

So did this act of Pilate washing his hands really clear him of any sin in the crucifixion of Christ?

Let’s take a look:

Power and Responsibility

The Scriptures show that Pilate was in a position of power where he could either crucify Christ, or protect Him, as Pilate himself acknowledges: “Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” (John 19:10)

He rightly knew that he had been given the power in his position, as Romans 13:1 says “There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

However, rather than using his power to –one-- directly crucify Christ, or –two-- to directly protect Christ, Pilate foolishly tried to come up with a “third option” and tried to stay “neutral” by washing his hands and letting the Jews “see to it”, regarding the crucifixion of Christ.

But did God accept Pilate’s “third, neutral option”?

Let’s see what the Scriptures say:

The Bible teaches that with the power Pilate had, came a responsibility to enforce justice, as Romans 13:3-4 continues: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

In this passage we learn two main points:

First, that the term “Minister of God” is used twice here. In Greek, the word “minister” here is “deaconos” – where we get our term “deacon” in the church. And the same term is used by Paul to describe Timothy a “minister of God” or “deaconos of God” in 1 Thess. 3:2.

Second, we note that According to God, these “deaconos of God” are there to do two things: to punish evil, and to protect those who do good. A civil ruler, as a “deaconos of God” is there as a “A revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil,” and one who praises those who do well, “for he is the minister of God to thee for good.”

Therefore, those who are God’s ministers in the Church have a specific duty, and those who are God’s ministers in the civil government have a specific duty, assigned by God.

And so we see that as a “deaconos of God”, Pilate sinned by abusing the power God had given him, by his presiding over the scourging and crucifixion of Christ, an innocent man. Pilate even admitted: “I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him.” (Luke 23:14) Yet he allowed him to be killed.

Matthew Henry further comments on this passage: “See here the baseness and injustice of Pilate, that he would suffer one whom he believed an innocent person… to be thus abused and trampled on by his own servants. Those who are under the arrest of the law ought to be under the protection of it.”

So while it may be argued that the Jewish leaders who brought Jesus to Pilate to be crucified bear a “greater sin”, it cannot be avoided that Pilate still bears sin for his allegedly “neutral” role of washing his hands and claiming, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person.”

This is a good application of the principle in Scripture of two kinds of sin: sins of omission, and sins of commission. A sin of commission is one we actively commit, such as the committing of the act of adultery, or lying. However a sin of omission is a sin because we failed to do something we should have done. This is the case with Pilate – he failed to use his power to protect Christ, and the Scripture lays this sin to his charge.

As James 4:17 says, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

APPLICATION:

So then, how does this apply to us today?

We might easily apply it to our rulers today, who give in to the wishes of the majority and political pressure, even when doing so is unjust.

As we see in Mark 15:15, Pilate gave in to pressure: “And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabas (a murderer) unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.”

Pilate’s move to deliver Jesus to be crucified was done out of a willingness to appease the people, rather than out of a willingness to do justice. How often do we see this same sin repeated by our political leaders in America today?

But is this the only application? Are the only political decision-makers we have, those sitting in the Capitol? Who makes laws in our land?

Well, if you consider Proposition 8, which defined marriage as a man and a woman – we find that no one in the State Capitol voted on this. Instead, Proposition 8 was decided and made law directly by every citizen.

You see, in America, we have a government that is of the people, by the people and for the people. Our constitution gives each citizen the power to make decisions by voting, making each citizen play an active part in the law-making process. Unlike in many other countries, American citizens have been given more power – and because of this power, more is required of us – just as more was required of Pilate, because of the power given to him. As Jesus said in Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much shall be required.”

In other words, all citizens are rulers, because all citizens in America have been given the power to make decisions with their vote. And just as Pilate was given the power to make decisions in his position – both citizens in America and Pilate are both held accountable for how they use the power that has been given to them.

The most clear example of how citizens exercise their role as rulers is seen when we look at Proposition 8, or Proposition 4, two years ago.

With Proposition 4, voters tried to create a law to help stop the “legalized” killing of children through abortion. In these cases, millions of Californians voted and made decisions about whether these laws should come into effect or not. Each citizen, with the power to vote, was responsible for the law passing or failing.

And just like with Pilate, in these cases, citizens took one of three options:

1. Voted yes, to pass the law.
2. Voted no, to reject the law.
3. Neutral: didn’t vote.

But are only those who directly voted “yes” or “no”, responsible for the outcome? Looking back at Pilate, we find that he was responsible for his “neutral” role in letting others decide the fate of Christ.

So what about the millions of Christians who failed to use their power to vote to help stop the killing of children through abortion? Proposition 4 failed by just 2% in 2008. If it would have received just 2% more votes, it would have passed, saving the lives of countless innocent babies.

If just 2% of the millions of Christians who didn’t vote in California took a few minutes of their time to vote for Proposition 4, countless lives of innocent babies would have been saved, today, and tomorrow and the next day, for however long the law would stay in effect.

But where were these Christians?

Does the sin of Pilate apply here? Are Christians who refuse to use the power they have been given to vote guilty of doing as Pilate did by letting other people decide and “see to it”? By letting other voters “see to it”? Are they attempting to stay “neutral” by thinking they can wash their hands of any guilt?

You decide.

Written by Luke O.

Evangelism at Your Dinner Table-Jesus Style

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20

Evangelism. Oh how little time there is for us to grab some tracts, walk down the street and actually tell people about Jesus. How often the thought pervades that almost everyone knows God and there is no point in telling people about Him. The fears...how to approach, how to know all the answers, where to find the right tracts, the right words...where are they? On top of it all, the neverending deficit of...TIME. If only I had time!

I recently listened to Doug Phillips' talk about the family table. The family table is where families gather to see each other face to face, talk, share stories, laugh, and...eat (for those of you who forgot that such a practice still exists :) Most importantly, the family table is where the bond of family is formed, strengthened, and cultivated. It has been proven that families that gather as a whole family at a dinner table each day, have children who have a closer relationship to their parents and don't form unhealthy habits such as drinking and smoking. Wow! How sad, though that so many families nowadays have abandoned such a great practice that helps to strengthen the family!

Even more amazing is how this practice has been modeled for us even in Jesus' day! Jesus himself met with his disciples around a table. We notice Jesus even gathering at a table with the pharisees! During this time, with food and plenty of fellowship, Jesus accomplished much! His disciples were profiting from questions and answer sessions from their Teacher. They enjoyed the blessing of food with Jesus, as well as having His undivided attention and hearing his amazing wisdom. They learned a lot from those times!

Now imagine, this: you and I taking this idea and carrying it out into action! That's right ladies! Cook up a delicious meal, set the dinner table all fancy (light the candles if it makes it cozier) and invite your coworker, friends from college, neighbor, or even your dentist. Let your family environment be a witness to these lost souls. It doesn't take a lot of words to evangelize to those folks who SEE what a Christian family is really like. Sometimes all it takes for an unbeliever is to be in a Christian home for one or two hours! Now that is an amazing example to the world!

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Woman arrested, Jesus porn destroyed; city seems to have broken its own law - Atlanta Faith & Family | Examiner.com

Woman arrested, Jesus porn destroyed; city seems to have broken its own law - Atlanta Faith & Family | Examiner.com

THIS HITS HOME>for many believers

"Men and women can understand the progmatic notions of: faith, can decide that they life that, can commint themselves to a religious joourney, and remain completely unchanged by the power of God....

you decided that church ought to have a place in your life, for whatever reason. The spirit of God is at work within your heart says "Come one, let's get serious." So you begin to get serious. Youve come a long and you've decided that theres a measure of pragmatism in what's being said. Afterall, it's a peace of mind, and I like peace of mind. Afterall, it gives me a sence of equilibrium in my week, and I like that. Afterall, it kind of reinforces family... and I think family is important. And it also says to me, there's purpose out there.

So embracing the validity of all of that...so you've decided, of your own volition...to commit yourself to a religious journey, and you're on it.

But here's the problem: When you started the journey, you were a dreadful swearer, and you swear just as much as you ever did. When you started the journey, you were a liar, and you lie as much as you ever did. When you began the pilgrimige your life was full of bitterness and of envy and of hate and of rebellion and of guilt, and you are still EXACT SAME AS YOU EVER WERE!

And you know it. And youre troubled by it....You have simply recognized the wisdom that is contained in a way of life, but you have never come to learn in Jesus, that way to life. So your faith.. is fatuous. It is resting on MAN's wisdom....it will help you walk the walk and talk that talk and may lead you to the very pit of hell...

That is why Paul trembled at the thought that men and women can so miss the point...as to embrace the shell, and miss the substance. And go on their journey, continually lost...."

"So that your faith may not rest on man's wisdom, but on the transforming power of the Spirit of God."

truthforlife.org Alistair Begg "Testimony of a Preacher"

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor in Australia Part 2

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor in Australia Part 1

"And I know that I am in a government building and an beautiful one it is and I love your country as well as my own. But I know that in the age that we live in, it is not at all politically correct to say the name of Jesus Christ in places like this -to bring Him into these sorts of meetings, because His name can make people so terribly uncomfortable. But I didn't survive so I can make everyone comfortable-I survived so I can stir things up a bit and I have a great time of doing it!" -Gianna Jessen

Refuse to Let the Scene Be Familiar

The face that Moses had begged to see-was forbidden to see-was slapped bloody (Exodus 33:19-20). The thorns that God had sent to curse the earth's rebellion now twisted around his own brow...
"On your back with you!" One raises a mallet to sink in the spike. But the soldier's heart must continue pumping as he readies the prisoner's wrist. Someone must sustain the soldier's life minute by minute, for no man has this power on his own. Who supplies breath to his lungs? Who gives energy to his cells? Who holds his molecules together? Only by the Son do "all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). The victim wills that the soldier live on- he grants the warriors continued existence. The man swings.
As the man swings, the Son recalls how he and the Father first designed the medial nerve of the human forearm-the sensations it would be capable of. The design proves flawless-the nerves perform exquisitely. "Up you go!" They lift the cross. God is on display in his underwear and can scarcely breathe.
But these pains are a mere warm-up to his other and growing dread. He begins to feel a foreign sensation. Somewhere during this day and unearthly foul odor began to waft, not around his nose, but his heart. He feels dirty. Human wickedness starts to crawl upon his spotless being-the living excitement from our souls. The apple of his Father's eye turns brown with rot.
His Father! He must face his Father like this!
From heaven the Father now rouses himself like a lion disturbed, shakes his mane, and roars against the shriveling remnant of a man hanging on a cross. Never has the Son seen the Father look at him so, never felt even the least of his hot breath. But the roar shakes the unseen world and darkens the visible sky. The Son does not recognize these eyes.
"Son of Man! Why have you behaved so? You have cheated, lusted, stolen, gossiped-murdered, envied, hated, lied. You have cursed, robbed, overspent, overeaten-fornicated, disobeyed, embezzled, and blasphemed. Oh, the duties you have shirked, the children you have abandoned! Who has ever so ignored the poor, so played the coward, so belittled my name? Have you ever held your razor tongue? What a self-righteous, pitiful drunk-you, who molest young boys, peddle killer drugs, travel in cliques, and mock your parents. Who gave you the boldness to rig elections, foment revolutions, torture animals, and worship demons? Does the list never end! Splitting families, raping virgins, acting smugly, playing the pimp-buying politicians, practicing exhortation, filming pornography, accepting bribes. You have burned down buildings, perfected terrorist tactics,, founded false religions, traded in slaves-relishing each morsel and bragging about it all. I hate, loathe these things in you! Disgust for everything about you consumes me! Can you not feel my wrath?"
Of course the Son is innocent. He is blamelessness itself. The Father knows this. But the divine pair have an agreement, and the unthinkable must now take place. Jesus will be treated as if personally responsible for every sin ever committed.
The Father watches as his heart's treasure, the mirror image of himself, sinks drowning into raw, liquid sin. Jehovah's stored rage against humankind from every century explodes in a single direction.
"Father! Father! Why have you forsaken me?!"
But heaven stops its ears. The Son stares up at the One who cannot, who will not, reach down or reply.
The Trinity had planned it. The Son endured it. The Spirit enabled him. The Father rejected the Son whom he loved. Jesus, the God-man from Nazareth, perished. The Father accepted his sacrifice for sin and was satisfied. The Rescue was accomplished.

From the book When God Weeps. An account of Christ's death written by Steven Estes and Joni Eareckson Tada.

Show Them God. They will go on Rejoicing.

Today we had Baptism at church and the First Preacher mentioned the following verses, the story of:

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

34And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”e 38And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

The preacher pointed out that when the angel took Philip away, Eunuch wasn't worried or saddened...he didnt search for Philip. Eunuch, who was now filled with the Spirit of God, knew he gained The One who is bigger than Philip. He gained an everlasting Love.

THe preacher was calling me to be the light rays of the Sun. To reflect God. To offer Him alone and to be able to do it in a way the person will gain that understanding of what they now really possess. That way, They too will be able to live, go on their way "REJOICING". For they have what no one can ever take away.

In Memory of Tania Gurskiy

Tania Gurskiy was born in July 9th 1983 and in September 2nd 2010 her short life ended which lasted only 27 years.
Tania was born in Ukraine, small city of Marefa and was the fourth child in her family of six children. From a young age she was known as a loving and kind person and everyone loved her. From age three, she started going to Sunday school with her older brother Andrey. She also started taking piano classes from first grade. In July 14th 1995 Tania and her family moved to Detroit, Michigan. Here she and her family were united with the rest of the relatives. Tania loved the nature, which she expressed through her art, she loved to draw and paint. On Saturdays they often spent time together and she liked to tell stories to her cousins.
On March, 31st 1999 Tania and her family moved to Sacramento, California, where she graduated High School. She found Jesus Christ as her saver and got baptized in a Russian Baptist church. Tania's best hobbies were playing piano and sing. She probably spends 1/3 of her life doing that. She also was invited to help one of the Sunday school groups with singing. She loved to sing in church with her younger sister, Alyona. You could always tell that it was Tania playing because she had the most beautiful unique style of playing. Whenever you would come over Gurskiy's house you could often hear Tania is playing the piano. Tania loved sing her heart out to the Lord, all of her songs where about God's Love and Heaven. Her dream was to record her own CD when she had some money.
She was always willing to help people in need, never turning them away. She would always help her aunt with translating, sometimes coming home for lunch, she did not eat, but translated or called places for her. She did all of this with love. She would often babysit; she loved her nieces and nephew. Littlie children loved Tania because she loved them, it almost seemed like they could see her sincerity towards them, never walking by a child with out giving them attention, knowing most of them by name. One time, when she got her car painted, one of the kids took a rock and started scratching her car's door and when she seen what had happened she did not say a word; she always showed people love and kindness.
Tania had an AA degree in Accounting, but she could not find a job at that time, so she took a job in a pharmacy as a clerk for money. It was meant to be a temporary job; her plans were to get in to "SacState" to continue her education.
On September 2nd, close to the time she usually took lunch, two people came to the store and asked for money and drugs. Fire shooting happened and Tania was tragically killed.
Tania was deeply Christian person. After her death, her family found her dairy where she expressed her prayers to the Lord. Through those notes we saw how deeply she loved God and how close was her relationship with Him. That was a big comfort to the family in such a tragic situation.
We, her family, want to believe that her death was in God's hands and her short life was planned by the Creator since her birth. And all the talents God gave her will glorify Him in Heavens. We hope that her sudden death will serve as a step forward for a lot of unchristian family and friends, so they can find a close relationship with God as Tania did.
Tania was unique and beautiful person inside and out. She was very patient, kind, loving and supporting. Tania was never married because she was waiting for the true and pure love, and her Prince came and took her to His everlasting Kingdom.

Taken from the original website: http://taniagurskiy.com/

Русавуки - Дорога счастья

I found the amazing cd of Rusavuki family. This is their new worship album. The download is free! Enjoy!

Directions: Click on each of the tracks separately (directly below the colorful cover of the album, NOT where the music player is) and a little window will pop that will prompt you to either open the file of the song with a music player or save the file. Click "save" to download. Continue the same way for each of the tracks. This cd is not for profit, therefore I have an understanding that is not illegal to download.

http://www.audioteka.org/project/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67:2010-06-28-22-14-03&catid=27:-qq&Itemid=51%22%3E%22%3E%22%3E

Store into the Eternal Bank

Each day flies by and vanishes and I'm not sure where these days go. I'm not even sure if I have any excuses for the empty, wasted days I spent and I don't know how I will face God when He reveals the recordings of my life. Solomon says in the book of Ecclesiastes: I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 1:14 Vanity is that which is pointless, worthless. Vexation is something that is a nuisance.
In the end, what will matter is how we glorified God. Did we stop and consider His call to spread His Word? Did we sacrifice our time and energy into what is eternal, unending, imperishable? Here on earth we will still continue to store our bank accounts with money to help our children get into college. We will save up for our comfortable retirement. We will store our kitchens with the needed supply of food. Lets not forget to store into our eternal bank. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:31

"Finding God When You Need Him Most" - Chip Ingram

http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/broadcasts/online_daily.php

Lots of great resources available on this website, and many series to listen to besides this one...you can download them also if it's easier for you to listen that way. =)

Blessings!

Where did the time go???

Hi everyone!

It seems like it's been ages since I've blogged, and a few times when I had the motivation to do so and didnt..the inspiration went away...

so...I'm getting back on track. enough slacking! lol..
So much has happened, I feel like I grew an inch =) (not litteraly)
...I don't even know where to start. Well, yesterday was our 1 month aniversary since my husband and I got married...:)) There was soo much preparation invovled in planning the wedding and the time before was so stressfull, but it was wonderful to sit back and watch everything that you've been planning with God's help come together as the final piece at the wedding. =) God is Truly Amazing and I believe HE blessed our wedding and our marriage.

The past month has been a great learning experience...I understand my mom a whole lot better now (and why she HAD the right to get upset with me when I didn't help out around the house)..b/c when you're the lady in charge...if you don't do it...it wont get done! and every bit of help is much appreciated! ...So much to do, in so little time...
I also think I understand my dad a little bit more too....so many dicisions to make and many little tasks; there's the bills, and the new account set-ups, will it be comcast or AT&T, sprint or T-Mobile, etc...etc...etc...

Overall.. lot's to do, but it all comes with the warm feeling inside that now you are a new family, and have eachother to lean on...and ofcourse God in the center.

I feel like I never have enough time...feels like I had more time when I was working and in school full time...=) but I think that just sctructures your schedule better...

Anyhow..just wanted to say hello, I'm back.. hopefully will post more often...

P.S... 2nd semester nursing school begins in ....about 13 days...! I'm excited and scared! Keep me in your prayers!!!

God Bless....

Heres a few pictures from our wedding!! JULY 10, 2010....

A Must-Read, A Happy Heart, Unpredictable God

We know that Jesus Christ is, was and will always be the same. (Heb 13:8). I am convinced, however, God is very unpredictable. Let me explain, If we are created in His image (a whole new topic for another time) we can relate to Him in some characteristics and emotions.

The joy I feel when I do something special without anyone expecting it is indescribable! So I imagine, He must feel that when His provision, His plans, His special moments for us catch us in surprise and He is in return Glorified. You know what I'm talking about...that AHA! moment after a very tough time in your life...when God's hand is seen through it all in the end. =)

To Him be the Glory!! He knows and chooses to be so intimately involved in the intricate details of your life.

A happy heart: when you realize the above, the words "don't worry, be happy" have a much deeper meaning. This month, I am challenged and reminded, to be happy. The devil will try to steal that away...but he is no match for me! The boxing gloves I have will leave him toothless!
What I need to do is equip myself with what God has so wonderfully provided:

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."

Lastly, A must read for all...Love and Respect by Dr. Eggerichs. Have I already mentioned this book here?? if not, shame on me. If I have, good! READ IT! its definitely a book I would not mind reading again. This is coming from someone who wouldn't read books twice!

I would love to hear your thoughts and opnions on the book if you have read it. that would be an additional post =)

Hope you have a joyful heart
In His Love

{Daniel's Fast and New Apparel!}

It has been so long since I wrote and I truly missed you all!

I have great news to share for all the lovely young ladies following us on this blog. But before that, Let me encourage you to read about "Daniel's Fast".

It has been a great experience personally for me, and this is the third time that I am doing it.

Here are some highlights from danielfastthebook.com

Fasting has always been a powerful spiritual discipline, and the Daniel Fast has long been a popular form of fasting. But what is the Daniel Fast?

When the prophet Daniel was taken captive into Babylon, the king saw in him a promising leader and administrator. If only the young man could be Babylon-ized, perhaps he would help the king rule over the exiled Jews.

The kings first step toward Daniel's "corruption" was to provide a sumptuous menu to tempt him, full of fattening comfort foods and rich wines. The prophets response was to eat only vegetables and drink only water. He chose to honor God over the king.

The prophet Daniel is a model for anyone who longs to honor God and experience the spiritual breakthrough that begins with prayer and self-discipline...
Spiritual Breakthrough...
through 21-day period of renewal.
... pray effectively,
... encounter God during your fast,
... worship through self-discipline,
... pray for specific answers.
.. fast with a healthy diet.

LADIES!! a new discovery!!
at GAlleria mall in Roseville Sacramento, there is a store "Down East Basics" and it is owned by a coulpe from Utah...you will find nice modest Beautiful fun clothing! =)
those of you who are not near the mall you can find the selection online at
Downeastbasics.com

check it out and tell me what you think!

your welcome =)

Let Me Know What You Think

Evenings with Victoria Botkin, Session 6, 4/5/10 (Thoughts on Beauty)

This is a complicated and controversial topic: what is the appropriate way for a Christian woman to look, and put herself together, as in what should she wear for make-up, jewelry, or clothing? Well, what does the Bible say about this issue should be our answer…how should a woman adorn herself?

Beauty is an attribute of God that we should desire to reflect in ourselves. The Bible has a lot to say about beauty. Psalm 90:17 “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” God created beauty with an intention. It is cultivated in so many ways.

For example, there is a command to beautify Aaron. Exodus 28:2 “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”

In this passage, God Himself beautified Israel; He adorned and made her beautiful. Ezek 16:9-15 “Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. And I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your wrists and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen and silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour and honey and oil. You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. And your renown went forth among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through the splendor that I had bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your renown and lavished your harlotry on any passerby; your beauty became his.” Note the contrast between God’s design for beauty and the contrary, selfish design later expressed in these verses. We see beauty is not bad: it is perfected and cultivated by God. However she used God’s gifts to her to attract other men to her. Her beauty then became disgusting to God and He judged her by taking away her beauty.

Look at these verses in Isaiah 3:16-24 “The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; the signet rings and nose rings; the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils. Instead of perfume there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.” The Lord said He would take away her beauty and replace it because of her vanity about it, her haughtiness. Beauty is a blessing, we see, while ugliness is a curse.

Look at this verse--Jer 4:30 “And you, O desolate one, what do you mean that you dress in scarlet, that you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, that you enlarge your eyes with paint? In vain you beautify yourself. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.” We see this woman was dressed in scarlet, yet we also see in proverbs 31 that the woman was also clothed in scarlet and other fine things. We see that depending on the context, in the right context it’s OK, but not when it’s used in a bad way.

1Pe 3:3-4 “Your adornment must not be merely external-- braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” These verses aren’t saying external beauty is bad. ‘Merely’ implies you should not be beautify yourself ONLY externally, but also seek to internally. Historically beauty has been recognized and admired outwardly. Today with influences such as the hippies, the women’s right movement, it seems women don’t wish to adorn themselves so as to be beautiful. Look at today’s models; it seems they LIKE to look sickly. But men like pretty women! 50 years ago women knew this and responded accordingly but not today! It seems anger and bitterness toward men by reacting towards femininity shows in how women appear.

According to a recent poll, these are the traits men find attractive in women: 1). smile/cheerfulness, 2). a feminine and delicate nature (delicate, soft, kind-hearted, caring, but not weak or insecure--feminine, confident, and carrying herself with grace,) and 3). a nice voice--feminine and soft (not extremely high pitched, shrill.) You know, some women are at war with God and at war with their own femininity.

Some Christian women, though, make the mistake of trying to show they are ‘being unworldly’ yet by neglecting their appearance to show they are focusing on ‘most important things’ it makes me think of these verses: Matt 6:16-18 "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (in other words, groom yourselves, as usual!) that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in
secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Now I’m not talking about those crazy days we all have, but about women who DO have the time and just don’t bother trying to be attractive. Are they just trying to communicate some sort of super-spiritual selflessness? Look at Mephibosheth in 2 Sam 19:24 “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety.” One commentary I consulted on this acknowledged the he was sincerely mourning the king’s departure, so his appearance was recorded. However this is an exception. Good grooming was a part of daily life in the Bible.

Perhaps it’s things like these, laziness, pietistic outlook, or bitterness toward your husband that can hamper your making yourself look attractive. Some women are nervous about trying to make themselves look more attractive because they think it seems worldly. No, this is not the case. The real issue is how we use beauty. This misunderstanding of the real issue stems from pietistic, Gnostic thinking. We have created a false separation in our minds between the secular and the sacred, the “spiritual” and the “worldly.” Set apart” doesn’t mean you just diverge from the world’s ways, being salt and light doesn’t mean you’re just being contrary just to be different. But we have a higher standard to be better: to disciple the world. Simply avoiding the world is not our calling...we are supposed to be discipling it.

The world has no right to own beauty. The world did not create beauty. God created beauty. God offers beautification. We aren’t leading in this area of beauty but rather are letting the world have it. Don’t just mindlessly conform to any trend out there, say Hannah Montana…or the frumpy jumper fashion. This is an important way we can love our husband: by trying to look nice--well-kempt and well-dressed--according to his wishes and convictions.

Here’s a question. Why can’t men just recognize our kindness, faithful hearts, and service to family—why not just these? Why do men place such importance on womanly beauty? Well, beautiful women are recognized and acknowledged all throughout Scripture, like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Esther, etc.—all these women commended for their beauty. Beauty was part of Job’s blessing from God on his daughters. Job 42:15 “And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job…” The Bible makes it clear that man’s appreciation of womanly beauty is legitimate.

Men are more likely to recognize beauty in women. If a woman looks relaxed, happy, makes an effort to look well-groomed, men will probably say she pretty. Here’s a quote, "…most men only visualize a woman's smile when they think about her." A poll found that when men looked at two photos of women, 66% of the men found the photo of the woman smiling, more attractive than the photo of the same woman wearing makeup, but not smiling. 60% of the men said that women, when not smiling, looked moody, disinterested, or hostile. A smile ranks by far the highest in "the first thing you look for in a woman." The main thing that makes a woman pretty is the pleasant expression, the happy, friendly, eager-to-please expression on the faces. It’s more important than the other things. You’re not doing it to glorify yourself or seek attention. The pursuit of beauty as a thing for themselves is the world’s perspective. Attracting the entire room’s attention is not our goal. It’s for others: for their sake we seek to look attractive; it’s a Christian goal. Looking attractive is something we do to please our husbands and families and others.

If a young woman has no self-discipline in this area when she’s single, how will they look later when they are older and the busy mothers of many young children? I remember in the Little House books… When Mary was going blind, and her mother sewing her ‘best dress’, Mary asked if she looked well. Her mother’s response: “No matter where you go, you will be a pleasure to every eye that sees you.” This was the object for the mother and daughter: it was just to give pleasure to eyes of others, not for themselves.

1Cor 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” We are to glorify God in our bodies.

I looked up all these verses about beauty for women and these two main words stuck out: yawpheh and tobe. Yawpheh means ‘beautiful, fair, pleasant, well, goodly.’ Tobe means ‘good, cheerful, at ease, loving, merry, pleasant.’ Beauty for women by definition is more than bone structure and features. It’s an amazing truth, 1 Cor 6:19-20 our bodies are not our own…

Think about this:1 Cor 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” We should maintain our bodies in honor through diet and exercise and some degree of beautification. Neglect and poor stewardship are not appropriate ways to honor God with our bodies.

Now, let’s address jewelry. Some denominations frown on it as do some Christians. Well, how’s the Bible view jewelry? Look at these verses. Gen 24:22 “When the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels…” Gen 24:52-53 “When Abraham's servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the earth before the LORD. And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments.” Interesting how Rebekah was adorned with jewel as an acceptable ornamentation--and a bride price. And jewelry also was given to her brother and mother.

What does God do in Eze 16:11-13? “And I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your wrists and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver.” Again we see in God’s Word an adorning with gold and silver. If jewelry was forbidden, why would Lord himself give these items and adorn her?

1Pe 3:3 “Your adornment must not be MERELY external--braiding the hair and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” These verses are stressing that beauty is not to be just external. This is the principle: not merely external. It should not be the most important thing about us.

How about make-up? Jer 4:30 “And you, O desolate one, what do you mean that you dress in scarlet, that you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, that you enlarge your eyes with paint? In vain you beautify yourself. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.” Along with clothes and jewelry it’s considered a beautification routine. The Bible doesn’t specifically say to use or not use make-up. Anointing the skin with oil is in there as an acceptable thing.

I would say make-up is OK. The same principles apply to our use of make-up which we use for clothing and jewelry--modesty, discretion, taste, orderliness, and gender distinction. It’s not to be an over-glorification or a ‘return to the natural state’ thing either. The Christian mindset is that the natural man and the natural world need to be civilized, sanctified, refined, cultivated, built up, polished, reformed, advanced, developed, and taken dominion of. Strive to look natural, just not painted or artificial. The wise way to apply makeup is so that most people won’t notice that you are wearing it. The goal is not to draw all eyes to you by wearing it. Is purple eyelid color natural-looking?

I was a granola-eating college student when got married and had to learn to wear make-up and jewelry, nylons and pumps. I thought, this is so not me! But I did it for my husband. For example, when we moved to hot San Antonio, all the women wore open toe shoes, and…everyone painted their toenails. I didn’t want to—it’s so not me--but it was a mental hurdle I needed to overcome. I stuck to my closed toe shoes…but finally… I learned something from our heifer who decided she didn’t want to be leashed…but she wanted to enjoy that lush green grass over yonder. Finally when she learned to submit to that leash, she was led out to that wonderful green grassy field to graze on that she had been missing out on. So I began to change my shoes…and paint my toenails…to fit in. Instead of being proud of who we are…we should be proud of Christ’s ability to enable us to do all things! Even things we never, ever thought we would see ourselves do. Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Let’s talk about hair. 1Co 11:14-15 “Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.” How long is long? We can see a principle in Deut 22:5 "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” The immediate design of this prohibition was to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of the sexes which was established by the creation of man and woman. The principle we find in this verse is that it is God’s will for women that they look like women--not just in clothes but all things. God’s will for women is that they look like women, like men should look like men. We should delight in these distinctions. In all things, do just what does your husband likes, don’t worry about what your hair stylist, church women, mom think about what color, style to fix etc.

1 Cor 11:7 “For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.” Woman is the glory of man. Prov 12:4 “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” Remember the principle of distinction between the sexes. Motives are an important part of what you: are you doing what you’re doing to seduce men or gain power over them, call attention to yourself, gain wealth, glorify yourself? The right desire is to glorify, and be the crown of your husband in beauty, honor, purity, holiness.

Another principle: modesty. Gen 3:7 “Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.” Gen 3:21 “And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” Gen 9:22-23 “And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness.” Exposing your nakedness is obviously displeasing to the Lord. There are many commandments concerning nakedness.

Modesty can also mean something closely linked to propriety. 1 Tim 2:9 “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.” Calvin’s commentary cites… moderation. (I looked up a link to Calvin’s commentary on this passage, if you’re interested, as I couldn’t type fast enough to get the long quote from it: http://www.truecovenanter.com/calvin/calvin_17_on_Timothy.html ) To assign a limit is hard. Another commentary concerning modesty notes that you don’t come in rags but in decent raiment. For example, they washed their clothes before appearing before Lord at Mt. Sinai. (Ex 19:10)

Prov 31:22 “…her clothing is fine linen and purple.” A certain degree of beauty and adornment is appropriate, for example age-appropriate clothing. What about ambassadorship? 2 Cor5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” What does being an ambassador as a Christian imply?

1Cor 9:19-23 “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” To win more become all things to all men…which means you may have to adjust your clothes, like if you move to a different area or your husband’s station in life changes or we simply grow up. However, we may never lay aside the Scriptural principles of distinction between the sexes and modesty. And we may never use these verses to justify compromising other principles simply so we can selfishly follow worldly styles and trends. It doesn’t mean we imitate the world to ‘win them’! So often the reverse happens to the younger Christian—the world wins them!

We may need to change the way we dress to be more effective ambassadors for Christ. We may need to die to self. We are to be different from world. 1Cor 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

How about wearing pants for women… We need to train ourselves to always approach every question or controversy from a Scriptural foundation. This is not addressed in the Bible. Selfish women will grudgingly seek the Word to find loophole for themselves… Because scripture does not address pants or slacks specifically, we must find the principles that address this garment and what is communicated when we choose to wear pants or not wear pants. Here’s what we have to go on: 1). the principles of distinction between the sexes, 2). the modesty issue, and 3). the issue that the actions of the Christian are never neutral.

Look, even dresses are not always modest. For me, I have decided to forego wearing pants in this feminist culture to help rebuild biblical foundations, as a statement to address the blurring of the distinction between the sexes in this culture. We should want to be part of the process of rebuilding biblical foundations of culture look at it as being part of a ‘resistance movement’. Isn’t that exciting? Our response to the blurring of the distinctions between the sexes in our culture is to be as distinctive as we can… as lady-like as we can. Our culture is a mess…we have the opportunity in our own homes and wardrobes to clean it up and create what WE think culture SHOULD look like.

So, what should we look like? God’s standard is beauty not ugliness. What message should we send to the culture? We have the opportunity to show God's standards to be as beautiful as they really are…to make modesty look beautiful instead of ugly…to make femininity look radiant instead of quaint, or dowdy, or restrictive. Prov 11:22 “Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.” Discretion is taste or judgment. You can be unappealing though you may be beautiful.

You should talk to your husband about these things and submit your will to his. You shouldn’t just think this is your jurisdiction alone, not his. Eph 5:24 “Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Follow your husband’s leadership in these areas, not today’s trends, even if other women you admire or are discipling you do differently…do what your husband wants you to do!

Psa 29:11 “May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!”

And remember, for the men, there’s a Botkin’s men seminar beginning tonight (Tuesday April 6): www.westernconservatory.co

m/man-to-man
This post was a series of notes by Beth Braun via Facebook

ENGAGED!!!

Hello Friends!

Please keep us in your prayers as this period of preparation for the wedding is both exciting and stressful. Your prayers and support is greatly appreciated!
May God Bless you abundantly.

Back to the little things...

I love it when God teaches me lessons through the small things in life…sometimes I become so focused on the BIG things (what are they anyway?) that I seem to miss all the small things…the simple things that are right in front of me that remind me of something else, something deeper, and something more meaningful. Silly at times, yet ridiculously true. Like for example, one of my really good friends shared a while back a lesson God taught her through a spoon. Yep. That’s right. A simple, silver, little teaspoon…or it might have been a table spoon… but the point here, is that God can use anything to spark in our minds an analogy of something else, or to better open the eyes of our spiritual hearts to understand His Truths and His lessons. Don’t get me wrong here, the spoon lesson will stay in my mind forever I think; it was pretty deep when you got into it.
…I think I’ve been ignoring the simple little things lately, and that’s probably why I haven’t blogged in what seems like a year….(ok, ok…since last year, but it hasn’t actually been a year.)
…I miss those simple little lessons; they humble my heart, teach me a lot, and stay in my memory longer.
…And it’s not that God hasn’t been teaching me them, I’m sure it’s just me…I’ve been overlooking them.

Okay…so enough rambling….here’s the little lesson God taught me yesterday, which made me stop and think….

I was cleaning my room, sorting through paperwork, organizing my homework, and listening to relaxing music on my laptop…A window popped up warning me that I have 10 minutes of battery life left (it wasn’t plugged in) so, I meant to get my charger and plug in my laptop because I knew I needed to have it on longer than that…and then, somehow, unexpectedly, the next thing that happens right in the middle of a really good song…my laptop screen goes black, the music stops, and of course my laptop shuts off. I thought to myself “What???” And then of course like getting zapped with a flashback, I remembered that I meant to get my charger and plug in my laptop, I remembered getting the warning window…but I didn’t remember when and how I got distracted and completely forgot about it, not even noticing how the 10 minutes went by in a flash. Well, my laptop shutting off wasn’t a big deal, I plugged in the charger, started it back up, and re-played the song I was listening to…but in the back of my head I started getting little analogies of what I can relate this simple event to in my spiritual life…God IS so Amazing at how HE can teach us little life lessons through simple things. I got this thought that in our spiritual life, God sends us warning signs, whether it be though people, circumstances, or through HIS direct Word, and many times we get so caught up in the moment that we sort of ignore the warning…or if we don’t ignore it, we get distracted and forget. Maybe we mean to take action in regard to that warning, whatever it may be, but the business of everyday life overwhelms us and we loose track of what we were doing. (reminds me of a parable Jesus talked about). Maybe, when some kind of a life circumstance catches us by surprise and leaves us speechless, we remember that not too long ago we were warned, and therefore we are left with out excuse for not taking action. Perhaps, our faith is really weak and we are not giving ourselves the spiritual food needed to grow and strengthen our faith…but after a devastating event when our faith completely crumbles we look back and remember the many warning signs we had, and had we just listened to them and took the time to recharge our spiritual strength, there wouldn’t have had to be a complete shut-down. Maybe, just maybe, we always mean for what’s better, but somehow, slowly and unnoticed, temptations drag us away from our goal of what it is we were trying to accomplish… I can add a few more things that came to mind, but I’m sure you can use your imagination.
…The best part of this little lesson was that I needed this reminder exactly now, at this time, before my spiritual life died out like my laptop did. Applying it personally to myself, I know I’ve been warned before by many, and understand my own self that when you don’t make time for daily prayer and Bible reading to strengthen your relationship with the Heavenly Father, your faith slowly becomes weaker and things on the outside overwhelm the soul. I know that when I’m not continually being re-charged with the Word of God I become weaker and weaker, and even thought I mean to get back on track, to prioritize my time better, to wake up earlier, etc…I somehow keep getting distracted, and forget what I had meant to do. And I can’t even come up with an excuse that’s legit. Done. No more excuses.
The Lord is so Merciful that He gives us time to get back on track, He gives us warning after warning, and it’s up to us at a certain point (by the grace of God) to realize that if we don’t take better actions, the battery of our spiritual life will run out of power if we don’t charge it, and our relationship with Our God will be disconnected. Hopefully, if that does occur, we realize it before it’s too late and find that “charger” that will connect us back to The Source to keep us going.

{A Comforting Opportunity}

Some of my friends will recognize the verse below: I shared it a couple days ago.

7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does... Ephesians 6(NIV)

While reading, this verse seemed to jump out as if to catch my attention. Again, I read over it, and, as I am sure many of you have experienced, it was as though it came out in new light. Despite the fact that I've read it before, this time in particular, it touched deep.

As I was pondering on the verse throughout the day, I had many thoughts like so:
"How great it is to know God sees our motives and deeds even though they may be little...even though there are so many of us...and we are so small while He is so big.."

"How amazing to know that when other people might not recognize or may overlook someone, God tells us He will surely reward for the good that was done!"

"What comfort it is to know that in any situation, I can see it as an opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father..."

Looking back, I imagine that last thought might have made God smile. Let me explain. The following day, all the circumstances God put me in were the "comforting opportunities" I thought about the day before...as if saying "Oh you like that verse? Now, Let me teach you How to apply it"

and boy, it was NOT easy.
my mom doesn't drive, sometimes she will ask us kids to take her from point A to Z, or help her with whatever errands there may be...on this particular day that I had off from work, I mentally planned to accomplish 3-5 of my own personal tasks. And with only one phone call from Mom, I was asked to set my plans aside....

Now, I didnt say "no", I didnt grunt. I didnt tell her "Mom, seriously, please respect the fact that I need to do things too, you know, important stuff, and well, you have 4 kids....3 of which can drive just as safe, if not better, and mayyyybe, just maybe I have more things to get done than...the boys." even though I was guilty of thinking that...
actually I was calm on the phone, calm in the car...SO calm, that Mom noticed! as she said: "it hurts to see you so quiet, it hurts to think I am a burden"

and thats when I felt like I died from embarrassment...I heard myself analyze inside my head...why wasn't I happy to help Mom? and then it hit me! I wasn't thinking of serving God through this! I didnt even find this an opportunity to go against my own will, my own comfort, so that I may find comfort in this opportunity to serve!

I apologized and hugged mom and told her the lesson God taught me that day. Its kinda hard, actually...but with God's help, we will be able to apply His Love, and His way of serving on a daily basis.