Lessons From the Kitchen Table

Family Blessings

2007-07-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

I am in Dawsonville, GA this weekend with most of my immediate family minus my Chad and my dad but all my sisters and their families are here along with my brother and his family and my grandparents. We also have five generations here this time too, the last time we had five generations was when my great grandma was still alive. Our number will total more than 30 when we add in all the boyfriends and girlfriends.

What I love most about my family is that years and years can pass and we won't see each other and then we'll get together and it's like no time at all has passed. The ease, the comfort with each other is still there and I look at them all and marvel that this is my family and that these are the people that I get to call my own while we are here on earth. Seeing them play with my kids, seeing their kids growing up and meeting the people that they will start their families with and being able to remember the announcement of their conception and that time they spit up on me or when I walked them around and around our house when I was 12 and helping my mom babysit.

I love my family so much and miss them when I am away from them. But this weekend I'm going to enjoy every single one of them and appreciate what they add to my life. And when I say goodbye I'm going to cry but I'll know that the next time I see them I will hug them and be right back in the familiarity that is family.

2007-05-19T15:51:00.001-05:00

Do y'all ever stop to think about circumstances surrounding bothersome incidents in your life? Last week my car battery died and I mean that thing was deader than a doornail. It happened on Friday morning around 11:30 in the morning. And it sucked! I had planned a fun day of shopping with my mom and Matthew and Austin and we had just finished our first stop and when we got to the car it was dead. So, I had to run in and find someone to tow us and then we had to go to Wal-Mart and get a new battery and just made it to pick up Morgan from school without being too late. It also put us back $120.

But...the week before we would not have had that $120 in the bank. Period. No credit, no help from parents, nothing. We couldn't have paid for it. But this week, we had a cushion to help out and it didn't set us back too badly.

And...I had also worked all that week and it didn't die on me at 7:00 at night when I got off work or at 2:00 in the afternoon when Morgan needed to be picked up so that means that it wouldn't have been a mad rush to get me home from work to pick him up or have Chad load up all three boys in a car with not enough car seats to come and get me.

I really appreciate the fact that even in the little things God helps out. Because they say that there are no coincidences and this is just too coincidental for me!!

I'm missing my old life...

2007-05-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to putter around all day with the kids and visit all my online blogging friends every spare minute I had! But, I'm finally feeling like my life is adjusting to the new normal of me working full time. I still really like my job and I'm making some new friends. None that I would hang out with outside of work since most of them are in their early 20s but the socializing at work is enough for me.

I don't have anything to say, I just wanted to touch base with my regular readers and tell you I'm still here!

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

2007-04-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

I seriously could not be any happier. :)

I know I've been a slacker...

2007-04-26T08:39:00.000-05:00

I've been looking for work. Online all day sending out resumes and calling people...ugh, is there anything worse?? But...today I have an interview at a bookstore. I WANT this job! Please send up a prayer today that this is where God wants me to be. Because I really want to be there!

Lessons from the kitchen table...

2007-04-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

I named this blog for my Grandpa. About 10 years ago, I would go over to his house every Tuesday night and we would go through the Scripture line by line and we would discuss each passage. He gave me insights that he had learned through years of study. Insights that always made such perfect sense to me. I was thumbing through my bible looking for a verse that would set me off on a tangent that I could translate to a blog entry and instead I started noticing all the notes I had. Of course, I was in Romans and anyone who knows Foy Martin, knows that Romans is his favorite book. He's the one that first explained grace to me. Anyway, so I thought I'd write about my notes.

I'll start with Romans 3:23-24, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Grandpa told me that justified meant "just as if I had not sinned". So basically those verses mean that we all have sinned but with God's grace, those sins are gone as if they had never happened.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5. That's just a really good verse!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39. Although I do believe that the one thing that can separate us is ourselves. We can choose to not accept that love.

To be continued...

Collectivism

2007-04-16T07:50:00.000-05:00

Collectivism is a term used to describe any moral, political, or social outlook, that stresses human interdependence and the importance of a collective, rather than the importance of separate individuals. Collectivists focus on community and society, and seek to give priority to group goals over individual goals. The philosophical underpinnings of collectivism are often related to holism or organicism - the view that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Specifically, a society as a whole can be seen as having more meaning or value than the separate individuals that make up that society. (Wikipedia)

I agree with this line of thought. Think about a society on a much smaller scale, your family. What's more important? That you or your husband or your children are happy or that the whole is happy? I know that means compromise and someone not being happy 100% of the time but the goal is to make sure that everyone is happy. I've seen the Nanny 911 shows where from the outside the kids are having a ball because they rule the roost but when you delve deeper, the whole family is miserable so what has to happen for happiness? The parents have to stand up and consistently work on the kids setting boundaries, following through, etc. And the kids? They are just generally unhappy because while their little minds crave boundaries, having to actually live in them is another story. So what's better for the family? Thinking only of yourself and being miserable or thinking of others and being happy? I would think that's a no-brainer but obviously after watching SuperNanny and Nanny 911 and shows like that, today's family has not one clue how to do that. How to put others above themselves. It's that verse again, isn't it?!?

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4

I belong to a public group who interacts through a message board and one of those message boards is called Hot Topics. The kind of topics that will create a debate and once I discovered that place, I was hooked!! I love debating! I love getting the different insights into different topics and the topic that brought about this whole entry on my blog was about legalizing prostitution. I was just going through in my mind the reasons people had for legalizing it and I came to this conclusion, if we treat people as bodies or entities then we don't have to worry about their soul. And for right now, I'm not talking about the soul that needs to turn to Jesus, I'm talking about the flame that makes us who we are. Yes, by all means let's legalize prostitution and let's let generations of women know that we don't care what they do to their bodies, our job is to only make sure they are disease free. We don't care about the spirit. What about abortion? That's another spirit killer that we've legalized. Thousands of women every day go and abort their children because all we care about is that it's their body and their choice. We don't care that they are cutting out a piece of their heart that they may never get back. We have to care about others because they don't care about themselves!! Don't you think that's why Jesus went to the woman by the well? Who else was going to talk to her about Him? What about the woman who was going to be stoned? Jesus came to her because NO ONE else would have. We have to put others above ourselves. We have to try to take care of the ones who can't take care of themselves.

I know it's so hard to do that but you know, small steps lead to bigger steps. I took a small step yesterday and I didn't do it so I could point out what a great Christian wife I was, I did it because that's what my God wanted me to do.

Okay, I think this post is getting away from me because I can't gather my thoughts anymore, they've splintered off into 20 different directions and I've noticed that the more I get into God's word, that that's what happens!

A Valuable Lesson

2007-04-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

I had a new experience this weekend both as a Christian and as a wife. I submitted to my husband on a choice that I didn't agree with but I knew that I didn't have a choice if I want to live the way I want to as a Christian. I'm not going to go into the whys and whatnot but I will just say that he feels one way and I feel the polar opposite. And I was mad and my feelings were hurt and I wanted him to know every feeling I had. But I knew that I didn't want him to change his mind to make me happy. I knew that he wouldn't ask me to do something unless he felt strongly about it and just because I don't feel the way he does doesn't make his feelings any less. I felt like I had a very valid argument about why I should be able to continue what I was doing and I informed him of some of them but he remained firm in his opinion and that's when I knew I had to submit. I whined about it for a while and this morning when I woke up and still felt incredibly resentful, it came down to realizing how incredibly selfish I was being. I knew that what we were disagreeing on was in no way more important than him and I was placing more importance on something than it deserved. I knew that God could change my heart on this if I asked him too and I did and He did. And in a heartbeat all my anger, my resentment was gone. In a heartbeat. One minute I was crying and feeling so sorry for myself and the next I felt totally at peace with it all. It's not about wanting my way, it's about putting Chad's feelings over my wants. And his feelings will win out every single time.

For Heather...

2007-04-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

I hate that I have to be a part of something like this but at the same time it warms my heart when a community rallies together to help a friend in need. I'm not a close friend to Heather but she is one of the co-founders of the Moms of Grace website that I found a couple of months ago that has been such an asset to my life. If you go here you can read about Heather's story from her blog and if you click on the button it will take you to the blog that is raising money to help Heather out. Please, on April 18 (that's next Wednesday) if you can spare anything it would be such a blessing to Heather and her family. I am challenging all my readers to donate at least $1. Everybody can afford $1 and together it adds up to so much!! It would also be wonderful if we could raise Heather and her family up in prayer every chance we get. Thanks.

Grace Based Parenting

2007-04-11T06:17:00.000-05:00

I finished this book last night and if you are a parent, I urge you to go get it and read it yourself!! I just have to get down a couple of points that I felt were so important.

He defines love as "the commitment of my will to your needs and best interests, regardless of the cost." He then goes on to say that when we are talking to people we love that our honesty must be delivered with its effect on the other person in mind. Grace requires that we deliver words about touchy subjects with a commitment to help - even heal- the other person. And that it works both ways - that we speak this way to our children and that we let them speak this way to us. (italics are passages straight from the book)

What I love about this book is that it teaches us how to be grace based Christians on top of being grace based parents. We should do this with everyone not just our kids but it's so important that we do treat our kids with grace. We are such a huge influence on our children just think of the influence we'll have on them if they know first hand how much difference the grace of God makes in their life.

Another thing I really liked was this quote by Dr. Dan Allender about dishonesty... "Because dishonesty, or living a in denial, is actually an attempt to dethrone God. It is an attempt to become as God with the power to construct the world and reality according to our desire...God does not play by our rules nor resolve our wound and ache as we desire; therefore, we leave God's world and create one that is more palatable to our taste, even if it robs us of life and love."

Wow.

I love stuff that I can tuck away in the back of my mind and pull out when I need it and this book is full of that. It makes me want to treat everyone I know with grace and I know that's what God wants for me too.

Some more thoughts on Grace...

2007-04-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

I came to a realization today. Do you know why we can be gracious to people and put them above ourselves? Because we are children of the King and we are already so highly valued by God that it just adds to our value when we act like him. One very important thing to remember when we read Phillipians 2:3-4 that says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." is that we in no way lower ourselves or our worth when we do this. Do you think Jesus thought of himself as less than us when He died for our sins? Of course not. I'm just saying that we can't use this verse and let ourselves be doormats or allow others to tell us that it demeans us to consider others better than us. In our society today, this mindset is totally foreign and I don't want to stumble because Satan tells me that I should look out for myself because no one else will. Well, I have God looking out for me when I strive to do His will so I think I can be satisfied with that!!

2007-04-08T16:47:00.000-05:00

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
Ephesians 5:1-2 The Message

Isn't that beautiful? His love was not cautious but extravagant. I looked up the meaning of extravagant and it said, "going beyond what is deserved or justifiable" Sounds like grace again, huh? The creator of the Universe didn't love us to get something from us but to give his whole self to us. How lucky are we?

I'm really thankful today amid all the Easter eggs and chocolate and baskets that I can tell my children that Jesus died for me and for them and that today we get to celebrate his resurrection. I am 35 years old and this is the first Easter that has really resonated in me - where I have been aware that today is the day Jesus conquered death.

I just praise God for all his blessings.

Grace

2007-04-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

I wish that churches taught about grace more than sin. Or that when people talked about Christians it was about how graceful they are instead of how judgemental. I'm reading a book right now called Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel. The premise is to treat our children the way Jesus treats us. But of course, I got to thinking and I'm just gonna let my thoughts wander.

Grace is defined as the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. Unmerited means that we don't deserve it. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." That's grace, that's like having your child spit in your face and you reach down and grab him and hug him and tell him you love him. We do it because we love them and so we won't go to prison for child abuse!!

But seriously, I'm really striving to be graceful to everyone. It's hard though, I get annoyed at little things that my kids do and snap at them. I get my feelings hurt by my husband and pull the old, "What's wrong, honey?" "Oh, nothing" dialogue when it's more than obvious there is something wrong. I get mad and feel justified at letting my words fly. But Phillipians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (emphasis mine) Now the Christians that are reading this are nodding their head and going, "that's right, that's right" but if you don't believe then you may be reading this going, "What?? Why should I consider others better than me? They aren't better than me!" But you know what? If everybody did that, then you would have everyone you know and interact with on a daily basis looking out for your interests. Your husband, your kids and your friends. Ahhhh...kinda makes it sound better, doesn't it?! It does to me too! And the neat thing about it is people mimic the people around them, so maybe if I go into it with the attitude that if I change, I can cause positive change in those around me it won't seem so hard.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-04T11:04:00.001-05:00

I remember listening to this over and over again in high school and it's just as powerful now as it was then. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I do.

Why?

2007-03-29T06:31:00.000-05:00

Don't call me Naomi, " she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.
Ruth 1:20

I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me.
You snatch me up and drive me before the wind; you toss me about in the storm.
I know you will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living.
Job 30:20-23

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
Psalm 22:1-2

What do you think when you read these verses? Do you think, "Man, what a bunch of crybabies! They need to suck it up and move on." or "Wow, I wonder what they've gone through to have such heartache." I think the latter. I know a lot of people think the former, that we shouldn't question God, that we should just accept everything on this Earth meekly and deal with it the best we can and move on. But, I don't think so.

In these instances, Naomi was telling her hometown that she had come back because her husband and two sons were dead and that her daughter in law was gone. She had left full and had come home empty. Think about that, your family of six has been brought down to two, I think she had every reason to feel bitter. Look at Job, he had lost everything, his children, his wealth, his health and while he never did turn his back on God, he did ask him why?? And David in Psalm 22, is crying to the Lord because he has fallen under attack after attack from enemies that God has not saved him from. These people, who God looked favorably upon all have very valid reasons to feel angry and wounded and ask their God WHY?? Why should we feel any different and why should we not be allowed to do the same?

I'm not saying wallow in your grief, I'm not saying that you should dwell on it forever, I'm saying that God has allowed us to question Him and not feel ashamed or scared. We can come before Him and ask why. But, I've come to realize that the only answer you will get is, Because I'm God. And that's enough. That's all we need to know because we have these promises,

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

Before, when people have asked why, I've always wondered why not? But, I've come to realize that if you are a child of God, it's because God is at work in your life. Who knows what Heaven holds for the mother who has had to bury a child? Who knows what's to come for the widow who has to bury a husband? Who knows how many people a recovered drug addict can lead to God? God does and we may find out in this world or in the next but we can be assured that any pain we live with today will lead to blessing after blessing tomorrow.

Internet Evangelism

2007-03-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

My mother in law called me with wonderful news last night, a reader of her blog got baptized yesterday and it was because of her blog that it happened. She commented a couple of months ago on it, asking questions and Neva set her up with a church in her hometown and then she got the good news on Sunday. How fantastic this is!! How awesome to see God at work on the INTERNET!! I mean, can you imagine that conversation between God and Satan?

God: So, there's this new thing called the World Wide Web
Satan: Yeah, I'm so excited!! I'll be able to spread hatred and porn all over the world in 0.04 seconds!!
God: Funny, I was thinking that my children will be able to spread the Word that much faster.

Isn't it crazy that when God created KSL (the reader), He knew that she would learn about Him through the Internet. He put Neva's blog in her path when He knew she needed it. It just makes blogging about our faith bigger somehow, you know? I mean, who knows who's reading.

Congratulations to KSL and her husband again! I'm so thankful that you are a part of our family!

Update on Chad and another lesson learned.

2007-03-16T06:53:00.000-05:00

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34

Okay, I have to say that I totally understand this verse but at the same time how do you prepare for the future if you don't think about tomorrow?? Or since I have not one idea what the future holds no matter what I think it holds, I should just live for today, right? I think actually that is the way it should be.

We found out yesterday that Chad won't leave for Iraq until probably August or September. The crew that went out this six months left yesterday. Yeah, he had his phone interview yesterday and they called him and said, "okay you need to be here at 2pm if you are going with us." This was at 10:30. Umm...didn't happen. Which after a little bit of disappointment because I'm being honest, I was looking forward to the money that could have paid some big bills, I'm glad that it worked out this way. I know without a doubt that it will work out, I just feel so wishy washy when I say, okay this is the way it is and then a week later go, okay, no this is the way it is! If you go down about three posts about Change is in the Air, a lot of that is now void but I still need to pray and lean on God so the important lessons I learned are still valid, they are just pointed in another direction.

I have never felt like clay so much as I do right now. I feel like I am totally at the mercy of God. Which I know is a good thing but for someone who likes (okay LOVES) to have control of a situation, it's hard. I want to know what tomorrow brings and I want to know now but that's not the way God is, he wants me to concentrate on right now because I can only be the person he wants me to be if I'm in the here and now. I have to be focused on Him and not the future. Man, I never thought of it like that but if my eyes are on the future than they aren't where they should be...on Him. So, even if I'm trying to grow in the Lord, he wants me growing TODAY, not tomorrow, not in the next six months, he wants me concentrated on today.

Okay, God....I hear you!

Wow.

2007-03-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

“I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matt. 25:40 NLT).

How we treat others is how we treat Jesus.
-Max Lucado

When I read this, I cried. I get so impatient and so frustrated with my kids that I sometimes say stuff to them that I would never dream say to anyone else. If Jesus was standing in front of me taking forever and a day to get something done would I say something ugly to him? Of course not and I'm so guilty of that. I want so much to be patient and gracious and yet it seems that every time I turn around there is something there that just annoys me to no end.

Ugh...Thank God I have the opportunity to say I'm sorry and try again.

Just a quick note...

2007-03-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

If you like to read this blog, I also have another one on my profile that's more of a day to day, casual one. Thanks!

Change is in the air.

2007-03-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

Isn't it weird when an event here and an event there comes together and forms something that shows you once again that God is in complete control? Chad has a job opportunity that after days of prayer and talking and prayer and talking we have decided that we can't pass up. It involves Chad being gone for a year with a month off half way through. I was all excited because my sister was gonna come up and stay with me and take a load off but God has shown me that He has other plans for me. She won't be here until August which means that I'll have roughly four months with just my boys and I. Other than knowing I will miss Chad with an intensity that I am not real excited about facing, I am excited about the changes that God has in store for me. I feel like He has been preparing me for this for the last couple of months, without even knowing that it would lead to this.
I know that God is going to help me become a better Christian because I'm going to be leaning on him for everything. He has shown me that I have got to pray more because I'll be doing a while lotta praying in the next year. He has led me to lessons on grace because I will have to show grace to my husband and my kids in the next year and show them that we can get through anything if we put God first.
I know that God is going to help me become a better mother. I'm not gonna get a whole lot of breaks in the next year from my boys and instead of fretting and whining about it, I'm going to revel in the fact that I get to be with them. I am going to pray for them and with them and let them know that there is nowhere I'd rather be than with them.
I know that God is going to make my marriage stronger. Chad and I have such a precious bond right now and while I know it's going to change, I know that with God's help, it's gonna change for the better.
The next year could go in two different directions, either up or down and I will not go down. I will not fail my husband, my kids or my Lord by dwelling on the negative because with His help the next year will change us all for the better.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11

Okay, I FINALLY got it!

2007-03-08T07:04:00.000-05:00

I was in the Enrichment program when I was in elementary school but I think once I hit junior high, all bets were off. I'm quick to learn but when I have a thought in my head it takes a long time before I can even entertain that just because it's MY thought, doesn't necessarily make it right.

So anyway, my latest pet peeve has been ignorant people. People who spout off about things and I think, "Are you kidding me?? Do you hear yourself?" And for the last little while, I have felt like it was my God given duty to set these people straight. And I get so frustrated because they don't listen!! I mean, my own kids hardly listen to me and I expect strangers on the Internet to go, "man, thanks for that, you have truly set my path straight!" (Okay, I don't really expect that but it would be nice to hear from time to time.)

But today I had an epiphany and please don't laugh because I know God has us learn things on our own schedule so we really learn it but just because y'all learned when you were five doesn't make my learning it any less special! I'm supposed to pray for people! Especially the ones that really annoy me, the ones I want to really say not nice things too. I need to give them to God in prayer because obviously, my way doesn't work as well as His does!

So...that's what I'm gonna try to do is really seriously pray about anything and everything I feel the need too. I'm not a real good prayer to start with, it's hard for me to remember to pray a lot of the time and I know that to get closer to my God, I need to take more time to talk to Him.

So, if you could, could you pray for me?

**I know this post is silly but it really was a serious revelation for me, I just had a big Duh! moment when I realized it.
***I also knew to pray for people but the concept of praying for them whenever I thought about how much they irritated me was part of my revelation.

I am...

2007-02-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

I am the fifth child born to a mom and the fourth child born to a dad who came together to have their first child in me.
I am the little girl who loved to read no matter what it was and remember reading Danny and the Dinosaur sitting on my grandma's lap.
I am the little girl who played for hours on rocks outside our house pretending to be Ayla the cavewoman. (I told you I'd read anything!)
I am the little girl who sat on the playground with another little girl and pledged to be friends forever and we still are.
I am the young lady who loved Drama and was the lead in my ninth grade play.
I am the young lady who wanted so badly to have a boyfriend but never found the right one.
I am the young woman who thought she had found the right one in high school.
I am the young woman who gave college a try but just couldn't do it.
I am the woman who tried a lot of different jobs before finding my perfect niche in childcare.
I am the woman who cried over the body of an elderly man who had died in a tornado in the town where I was on the Volunteer Fire Department.
I am the woman who set off cross country with my mom and little sister to find a new start in Oregon.
I am the woman who resigned herself to being single.
I am the woman who fell madly in love with a man who is seven years younger than me.
I am the woman who was lucky enough to find a man who always wanted to be a dad.
I am the woman who is the mother of three beautiful boys.
I am the mother who tries so hard to be a good mom and falls short all the time.
I am the mother who gets up and tries again.
I am the wife, the mother, the sister, the daughter, the friend of so many people who make my life complete and I am who I am because of them.
I am God's favorite child and He has showered me with blessing after blessing.

Who are you?

Thank you Larissa!

2007-02-23T13:27:00.000-05:00

I went to my sister in law's blog this morning and received an unexpected gift. She had a link on her blog to Faith Lifts and from there I found Moms of Grace which I joined and have already gone on a posting spree this morning. Plus, they have bible studies which I've already tried to start but with the kids running around, it's not been a good time to meditate on it. And I ordered a book called "Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker" which I can't wait to get and have even more time for me!

I'm so glad that she had that link on her site. I feel like these sites will open up a whole new world for me online that I've been wanting to pursue but haven't been able to find. I can't wait to soak it all in!

Free Will

2007-02-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

The doctrine that the conduct of human beings expresses personal choice and is not simply determined by physical or divine forces.

I've been wondering lately about free will. I came to a conclusion today that changed the way I had thought about an issue for many years. It was about abortion and I was always against abortion but always figured that women should have the right to choose. I mean, if God gave us Free Will, shouldn't we allow others to have it? But then that is a slippery slope because that could trickle down to murderers being able to murder because they are exercising their free will. So I was talking to my mom and she said that murder should never be a choice. Good point. So, when I came on here to wonder about free will, I remembered something my mother in law had told me that someone had told her. We, as Christians should be the light that shows the way. A guiding light, a gentle light. One that doesn't blind but one that is bright enough to see. So, people can have their free will but if I'm asked, I will definitely shine my light in the direction that God points me.

"In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven. "
Matthew 5:16

Two in One Day!

2007-02-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday in honor of President's Day, Morgan asked me why somebody shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln.

Good question and how do you answer that one? I just told him that someone felt that they had the right to take his life because they didn't like what he had to say. And then it hit me. Even murder is plain old selfishness. Someone thinks they have the right to decide that they get to take someone else's life. I always felt murder is akin to evil (which it is) but I've never realized that it is also akin to selfishness. When we put ourselves first, we can justify anything. I don't know my bible well enough but I wonder if Satan is ever called the God of Self because isn't that just what he is? Doesn't everything he stands for revolve around self? And now, I feel like society is getting to believe in that. Moreso now than ever. There was at least a cover of common decency or shame back in the day but now that's gone. It's all good if it's all about you and you better not say anything otherwise. It's that searing of the conscience, I think.

I just hope that more and more people realize that this is the direction society is going and this is what our kids are going to have to deal with. I hope my kids are part of the generation that starts to turn it around. I do know that society does that. Rises and falls. I hope we are getting to a rise.

I thought this was interesting...

2007-02-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

I found this on another blog online and liked it so much, I thought I'd snag it!

From C.S. Lewis' The Problem of Pain:
"...What would really satisfy us would be a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, 'What does it matter so long as they are contented?' We want, in fact, not so much a Father in Heaven as a grandfather in heaven--a senile benevolence who, as they say, 'liked to see young people enjoying themselves,' and whose plan for the universe was simply that it might be truly said at the end of each day, 'a good time was had by all.' Not many people, I admit, would formulate a theology in precisely those terms: but a conception not very different lurks at the back of many minds. I do not claim to be an exception: I should very much like to live in a universe which was governed on such lines. But since it is abundantly clear that I don't, and since I have reason to believe, nevertheless, that God is Love, I conclude that my conception of love needs correction. ...There is a kindness in Love: but Love and kindness are not coterminous, and when kindness is separated from the other elements of Love, it involves a certain fundamental indifference to its object, and even something like contempt of it. Kindness consents very readily to the removal of its object--we have all met people whose kindness to animals is constantly leading them to kill animals lest they should suffer. Kindness, merely as such, cares not whether its object becomes good or bad, provided only that it escapes suffering....It is for people whom we care nothing about that we demand happiness on any terms: with our friends, our lovers, our children, we are exacting and would rather see them suffer much than happy in contemptible and estranging modes. If God is Love, He is, by definition, something more than mere kindness. And it appears, from all the records, that though He has often rebuked us and condemned us, He has never regarded us with contempt...."

It's so interesting to me that people are always asking why God allows pain. Since we are to believe what is written in the bible and since Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." then how does that jibe with God causing pain? Why would He cause us pain and then turn it around and work it so that it benefit us? I just don't understand that. It's like putting someone under a falling piano and then pushing them out of the way at the last minute and saying, "whew! I just saved your life!"

I believe that we live in a world of sin which leads us to have pain and suffering. If we had not sinned in the first place then just imagine the world that we would be living in right now. No pain, no suffering only paradise. That is the world God created for us, man created the pain.

No Matter What

2007-02-14T06:34:00.000-05:00

Chad and I have been married for almost eight years. It was eight years ago today that he took me to Wendy's in Bend, OR, parked in the back out of the way and gave me my Valentine's gift. It was three hat boxes and in the top one was a ton of candy - miniature Snickers bars. The second one was Chicken Soup for the Couples Soul and in the bottom was a red heart shaped pillow that had "Will you marry me?" embroidered on it with the ring tied to it. I knew it was coming but it was still such a clever, romantic way to ask. I knew I was gonna marry Chad within a month of us going out. I remember sitting in church and I looked down and I saw our legs beside each other and I knew I was gonna see those legs next to each other from then on.

We've really worked at this marriage. The first years were stormy but I'm one of the lucky ones and I'm married to a man that takes into account what I say and makes himself and consequently myself better. We are each other's top priority. He holds my hand at night when we watch tv. He tells me he loves me every time we talk. He listens when I talk (even when he doesn't act like it!) and he respects me and he appreciates me and he loves me more than I ever imagined I would be loved.

When I was single, my Grandpa told me to pray to God to send me the man that God wanted me to marry. When I realized that Chad was that man, it amazed me how God took the littlest want I had and brought it all together in Chad. I am so blessed. Another thing that my grandparents taught me was "No Matter What". Chad and I decided that we would love each other no matter what. And that is even engraved on Chad's wedding band. It's worked for the last eight years with such amazing results that I can't wait to see what the next eight years have in store!!

Judged by your peers...

2007-02-13T07:35:00.000-05:00

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, bt that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of mens hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:3-5

Judge - form an opinion of

Condemn - to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment

Just some thoughts I had.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2007-02-08T06:51:00.000-05:00

I was discussing some stuff online with a group of people and the subject turned to God and the bible and one of them said something along the lines that the bible was written to help humanity in a time that was very different than this one and that as humanity evolved then so too should the moral codes.

Now think about that, it's great for those arguments where we want to justify doing whatever you want and calling it evolution but what about the other stuff? What about the promises? What about salvation? You can't have one without the other.

Just a thought...

2007-02-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

As I was doing the dishes (isn't it funny how your mind wanders as you wash dishes?) I was thinking how so many people say that Christians want to "force our beliefs" onto them and I always think in my head, "I don't want you to have my beliefs - they are MINE!" I never once think that when I'm talking to someone of a different belief that they are forcing their opinions onto me so what is the difference? I read something that someone had written yesterday and she said that while she didn't agree with certain things that people believed that she would never be sad or judge them for what they believed because it would negate their beliefs. Wouldn't it be so refreshing if everyone felt that way?

My Birth Verse

2007-02-02T06:42:00.000-05:00

http://www.mybirthverse.com/

Titus 1:2 NIV
"...a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,"

I love it.

Stereotypes...

2007-02-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

I'm really angry right now about stereotypes. If I hear one more time that they aren't talking me, they are talking about "Christians" I may just explode. I am a Christian and I am a true Christian, the hypocritical, loudmouth, ugly people who use the Christian label to promote their own brand of judgement as opposed to what God wants for us are not. I looked up stereotype and this is the definition: a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group. Seems so innocent doesn't it? I wanted it to say something along the lines of "horrible misrepresentation of an innocent group of people." because in our day and age that's what it's boiled down to. I don't think I've ever seen a stereotype that hasn't pulled out all the ugly characteristics of a group and used that to describe them.

I guess it boils down to whether or not you are willing to look at each person as an individual or just put them in their little box as soon as you see the color of their skin or realize that they believe in God. I am who I am because of what I have chosen to believe and what I have studied and what I have looked for and questioned. You are who you are for the same exact reasons but for some reason since I believe in God, I don't get the same courtesy that you do, I get ridiculed. It's amazing to me how many people who go on and on about how open minded and accepting of everyone and everything are totally closed minded to anything they don't agree with. I know a lot of Christians are like that but you know what? I'm not, so don't judge me by people you've met, judge me on my own merit, by my own words and I'll do the same to you. Just because I don't agree with what you believe does not mean that I don't respect your views.

Morgan Musings...

2007-01-31T16:30:00.000-05:00

This isn't a post about a thought I had that turned into an epiphany, it's about my oldest son Morgan. Morgan is five and wonderful. We had a conversation today that is a pretty good example of conversations we have about once every couple of weeks and I thought to myself that I had to write this one down to remember how he once thought.

Morgan: Mom, what if I was a race car driver and I broke my arm? Would I be able to work or eat?
Mom: Yeah, you could use your other arm.
Morgan: Well, what if I broke both arms?
Mom: Then I guess someone would have to feed you.
Morgan: Once they started to heal, could I go back to work?
Mom: Yeah.
Morgan: What if I got into another wreck and broke my arms again?
Mom: Then you should probably look for another job.

A couple minutes later...

Morgan: When I turn 16, maybe Matthew and I will go hunting.
Mom: Maybe.
Morgan: What if we saw a bear and I had to tell Matthew to shoot it and he shot it, would that be good?
Mom: Yep, but only if it's attacking you.
Morgan: If it was attacking us we would call 911, I mean the fire department and they would come and spray water on it.
Mom: (Duh...finally getting in on the fun stuff of asking questions back!!) What if the bear was on fire?
Morgan: Then the firefighters would put him out and he would probably be dead.
Mom: What if we set him on fire? (I know, I'm not sure what I was thinking!!)
Morgan: Can we do that?
Mom: I don't know, the next time we see a policeman we need to ask him whether or not it's illegal to set bears on fire...I think it is.

I just love the fact that he can talk for hours about anything. Of course, there are those times when all I want to do is hear the last two minutes of a really good movie and he wants to know something totally off the wall but for the most part, I love hearing what he has to say!

Five things...

2007-01-23T12:28:00.000-05:00

I knew I should have just gone to Allrecipes.com to look up a recipe for bruschetta, but no, I had to stop by my MIL's blog to see what's going on and I was tagged. So, my five things are...

1. I was a volunteer firefighter for a small North GA town when I was in my early 20s. It was great fun and I actually got to put out fires and do a search and rescue after some tornados on Palm Sunday.

2. I have flat feet. I don't know where that came from but it's true!

3. I have four older sisters, three older brothers and one younger sister but I'm the only child born from my parents. (The wonders of previous marriages and one adoption!)

4. I'm seven years older than my husband and only 11 years younger than my MIL, she is only a year older than my oldest sister.

5. I have a tattoo of Dumbo the elephant on my left ankle. My husband and I went down on our third or fourth date and got tattoos. They weren't matching - we wanted our relationship to last!! :P

Okay, that's all! I'm not sure who all reads this so I'm not gonna tag anyone....yet!

Friendship...

2007-01-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

How does that saying go about friends being like silver and gold? Oh, I found it...

Make new friends but keep the old

One is silver and the other gold.

I have a couple of friendships that have been refined and mellowed to a beautiful gold. My oldest friend is from third grade. We were eight when we met and the last time I saw her, we were looking at our three year old boys saying that in five short years they would be our age when we had met. How does that work? That just last year we were in my mom's LeBaron driving home illegally because we were only 15 and my parents trusted me enough to let me go. That only last week a couple of years had gone by and we hadn't spoken and I was scared that our friendship had reached the end or that only yesterday we were sitting in her living room watching our kids play? What made us hold on? What kept us from just not taking the time to write or call? I can't put my finger on it but I know that something amazing has kept us through the great times, the hard times and all the times in between. Like I said, this friendship has been refined to a beautiful gold.

Then there is my second oldest friend. I've known her since seventh grade when friend number one was at another jr high. We had probably three years where we were all about each other. We wrote notes all day during school and then called and talked for two - three hours at night. We've seen each other maybe twice in the last 15 years yet when we are together, it's like no time has gone by and we are right back in the rhythm of our friendship.

These two women have been such a blessing to my life. What is interesting is that religion has been a factor in both of these friendships. I wonder if that's had anything to do with their staying power? One of the best memories of my wedding is before I walked down to meet my dad, my bridesmaids and I had prayer and these two women were there. I just remember being so joyful and a big part of that joy was having these women there that day. I'm trying to tie this post in with a deep thought but I just can't! So, I'm rambling with tears in my eyes because I am so lucky to have people in my life who love me for who I am and I just wanted to take today to tell about two of them.

I guess I'll go eat worms....

2007-01-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

I've been dealing with neighbors the last couple of months and it finally all came to a head last week and the end result is that my boys can't play out front anymore. It's your ordinary, run of the mill disagreement between how our children should behave and how it should be enforced and I'll leave it at that.

So, this has really thrown me for a loop because I am a people pleaser from way back. I've never been one to force people to listen to my side of things and I literally have to stop myself from going against what I want to make others happy. But, I've had a lot of truths come out of this situation too.

1. My boys don't have to play with every child they know and when it comes right down to it, it's my job to make sure they play with kids that have a lot of the same standards that we do.

2. I can't force my kids to be the bad guys to make other people happy. I have to be their advocate and stand up for them even if it makes me unpopular.

3. I will make my kids take full responsibility for their actions, even if they have every right to choose those actions.

I still haven't worked it all out because I am hurt and I do want to blame it all on them but I'm trying really hard to look at it as objectively as I can so I don't miss an opportunity to teach my boys a lesson or learn a lesson about myself because I've never been in this situation where I'm responsible for my kids' action on other kids. But at the same time, I have a strong feeling that I am in the right and I want them to know it! Ugh...I'm rambling but I want my boys to be able to play with the other kids and I want to be able to chit chat over the fence with my neighbors but that can't always happen. The phrase "set apart" keeps popping into my head and I know that I am set apart from them. I don't accept the same things they do and I don't parent the same way they do. And that's okay. Just because I don't agree with them doesn't mean that I'm better than they are or that I'm even right. I just have to know that I'm doing everything I can to keep the situation as "clean" as I can and not let myself fall into the trap of being nasty because I'm mad. It's just hard to be on the outside sometimes.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-21T06:48:00.000-05:00

I know I'm way late. I just have had so much on my mind and it's all been negative. It's hard when you feel like you can't say anything positive because there is so much yuck (what's the opposite noun word for hope?) in your brain. I do know that I haven't been spending near the time I need to with my God, which is probably why I've felt so bad. But, I can't live like that. I have to feel happiness and hope in my life. So, once again I handed over my problems to God and this time, I really wish I'd stop taking them back! He handles them so much better than I do.

The other day, I noticed something that made me stop and think. Matthew wanted a bottle of water. He hardly ever drinks out of a bottle, he is usually just fine with a cup. I didn't want to give him the bottle because I knew he would take maybe two drinks out of it and then the rest would be spilled or whatever. So, he cried and cried and whined and pouted until I finally gave in and gave him that stupid bottle and sure enough he drank one drink and that was it. How many times do we make a big deal over something so minor that our whole world is turned upside down until we get it and then realize that it wasn't what we needed anyway. Matthew didn't want water, he probably needed a nap or a hug or something but that bottle of water received the focus of all his needs and so it became more important than it actually was.

It spoke to me because I need the Lord. I get along great when my goal during the day is to be with Him and to be like Him. But there are times when slowly but surely, I turn my head to look at something else and start concentrating on it when before I know it, I'm yelling and whining for a bottle of water when what I really need is just a drink from His word or a moment or two in prayer.

"Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:13-14

What Christmas means to me...

2006-12-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have noticed two signs here lately on businesses in my town that really bother me in their arrogance. They are both along the lines of Keep Christ in Christmas because that is what Christmas is all about. Now, I'm sure it's because I've gotten older and have learned that many, many people do not think the way I do but that just seems so narrow minded to me to say that Christmas is only for Christians. Don't get me wrong, I don't think the sentiment is bad necessarily, it just rubs me the wrong way when anyone says that this is the way it is and there is no other way.

I think I have also come to the conclusion that Christmas really isn't about Jesus either. I try to acknowledge the fact that Jesus was born and that he died for me at least once a week if not more. To me, Christmas is about the magic that surrounds this time of year. The anticipation of the gift giving. The kids just knowing without a doubt that Santa will be here on Christmas Eve with their gifts and being with family.

Being a parent, it's hard to figure out what to really teach our children about this holiday. My kids know that Jesus was born on Christmas but I have to say that I've always been very uncomfortable with singing Happy Birthday Jesus and having cake and ice cream like some people I've heard about. They talk more about Santa and what he's gonna bring them and I don't think that's bad. I know for me, when I was little, it was all about Santa. I knew that it was Jesus's birthday but Santa was the main event and I've come to realize this Christmas that what I want more than anything to share with my kids is not the getting of the gifts, it's the excitement, the anticipation and the giving. Which really goes back to what kinds of Christians I want them to be - excited about God, the anticipation of being with Him forever and wanting to give that joy to everyone they know. So....I guess there is way more Jesus in Christmas than I thought!

I know this was confusing but I'm still a work in process and most of the time, this blog reflects whatever I'm trying to sort out in my mind!

Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope that the New Year brings everyone much joy and peace!

Giving Thanks...

2006-11-16T16:35:00.000-05:00

Since I won't be here next week, I'm gonna steal the email I got today from Max Lucado and use that as my Thanksgiving post.

Two Fathers, Two Feasts
by Max Lucado
The following is an excerpt from In the Eye of the Storm.Download Chapter 12 of In the Eye of the Storm to read even more.

I drove the family to Grandma’s last night for Thanksgiving. Three hours into the six-hour trip, I realized that I was in a theology lab.
A day with a car full of kids will teach you a lot about God. Transporting a family from one city to another is closely akin to God transporting us from our home to his.
A journey is a journey, whether the destination be the Thanksgiving table or the heavenly one. The fact that my pilgrims were all under the age of seven only enriched my learning experience.
As minutes rolled into hours and our car rolled through the hills, I began to realize that what I was saying to my kids had a familiar ring. I had heard it before—from God. All of a sudden, the car became a classroom. I realized that I was doing for a few hours what God has done for centuries: encouraging travelers who’d rather rest than ride.
I shared the idea with Denalyn. We began to discover similarities between the two journeys. Here are a few we noted.
In order to reach the destination, we have to say no to some requests.
Children have no concept of minutes or miles.
Children can’t envision the reward.
It’s worth it.
As we sat around the table today, no one spoke of the long trip to get here. Yesterday’s challenges were lost in today’s joy.
That’s what Paul meant. God never said that the journey would be easy, but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

Remember this: God may not do what you want, but he will do what is right … and best. He’s the Father of forward motion. Trust him. He will get you home. And the trials of the trip will be lost in the joys of the feast.

Surrender...

2006-11-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

I got a bunch of CDs from a friend of mine a couple of months ago and they are all Christian. I have a five player CD player in my car so every single slot is loaded with these CDs and I and the boys listen to them when we drive. Morgan and Matthew have their favorites and it switches from week to week but there is nothing better than hearing Morgan sing, "from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I life your name on high!" It makes me teary eyed just thinking about it! (And to all my Church of Christ relatives...yes, it has music!! But I figure we aren't in worship so it's okay!!)

Anyway...

I was bouncing around yesterday from track to track and I came upon this one by Stuart Townend called Jesus, Lover of My Soul. I can't find the words to it online because I guess it's another version of the original but the opening goes like this,

It's all about you Jesus

And all this is for you

For your glory and your faith

It's not about me

As if you should do things my way

You alone are God

And I surrender to your ways.

The first couple of times I heard that, I could feel myself start to well up and I wasn't even really listening, I just kept hearing this chorus over and over. This really just explains it all doesn't it? I mean, the hardest part of becoming a Christian or even staying a Christian is realizing that it's all about Jesus and who are we to make it about us? These words just keep reverberating in my heart every single time I read them or hear them. Just giving every single thing I am to God because he is God. But for those of who may not understand the fullness of this, once we give our whole self to God, guess what we become?

Take your pick...

Child of the King

Heir to the Kingdom

Bride of Christ

Saved for eternity

Not a bad exchange is it?

My thought for the day...

2006-11-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

I was writing a post about marriage on a board that I belong to and this was the verse I used,
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29

The post was about arguing with your husband and the challenge was to remember this verse the next time you found yourself in an argument. And I got to thinking about all the people that I interact with and I realized that I've always done this (usually) and didn't even realize it. Part of me always kind of thought that I was playing people when I did this. But I've always tried to build people up according to their needs. When you think about it, different people in your life are treated differently by you. There are some who can take everything you say because they understand you and understand where you are coming from and how you mean what you've said. There are some where you have to temper what you say because they may find some sort of implication somewhere even if there was none intended. You get the idea. I've gotten really involved in Internet groups over the past three years and I've learned that there are certain people who join groups just to hear encouragement, they don't want to hear solutions to their problems, they just want a willing ear and a pat, "You're okay, you'll get over this." and that's all. Some people have to try to fix them and that's fine but just think about what the verse says, according to their needs. Not ours but theirs. Why is that? I mean, wouldn't their life be better off if I gave them solutions and they followed my advice? I do it because I care, it's really good advice, sometimes!! Or should we really try to get to know the person so we can give them that same advice but do it according to their needs so that it actually will be listened to and followed.

Just another quick observation because Matthew really wants on Nickjr!!

I've noticed that people deal with other people either on their level or the other's person's level. Do you listen to people and understand what they mean because of who that person is or do you listen and assume stuff because of what your mind is telling you?

Just something to think about!

Troublesome times...

2006-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I need to step away from political debates, I need to not watch our news, I need a whole new attitude check on my country. I'm sick and tired of everything in our society right now. The lack of responsibility, the sick, sick people who think it's okay to abuse four day old children. The gang bangers who get smacked in the face by a cop because he's reaching for their gun and cries abuse. I'm just sick of it. I have this sinking feeling in my stomach and I can't make it go away. I have no pride in my country right now and I hate that. It's not a matter of Republican/Democrats or anything like that, I'm just scared that if it's like this now, what is it gonna be like in 20 years when my kids get to be in it?

I was talking to Carol the other day and we had this same talk and I talked about how the only thing that really matters is family and what goes on in my four walls. But I just hurt for all the other people who are hurting out there and I don't know what to do. I'm a fixer and I can't see anyway to fix this problem.

What I need to do is just turn to God and realize that this place is not my home. I can only pray about the horrors I see and give them to God. I can only be responsible for my actions and I can teach my children to be responsible for theirs. I can only hope that there are more people out there who are teaching their children this same thing.

Say a prayer for our troops and their families this weekend. I know they signed up for war but it hurts just as bad when they pass. I don't agree with why they are there but I am still tremendously proud of the men and women who do sign up to protect our country and others. Stay safe. Give your loved ones a hug and try to make a difference somewhere.

2006-10-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

I can not hold someone that does not believe in God to the standards that I am choosing to live by.

I read this the other day by someone on a message board. Any thoughts?

You can't go wrong with Proverbs!

2006-10-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

I love the book of Proverbs. I love the simple 2-3 line verses that say so much. I'm just gonna list some favorites. I hope you like them!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
3:3-4

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
3:5-6

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
3:27

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
10:12

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
11:22
(You can't get any more eloquent than that!!)

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
12:1
(Some of these pull no punches.)

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
12:18

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
16:3
(Might, maybe...nope will!)

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
16:24
(Words = healing, that's twice now and that's just the ones I've picked. So think twice the next time someone deserves the sharp edge of your tongue.)

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
16:31
(That's great but I'm still gonna cover them up!!)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
17:9

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
17:14

Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
26:18-19

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.
27:15-16

I think this one is my all time favorite...

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
30:8-9
I love that, I've always said that I wanted enough money to pay my bills and go to Wal-Mart and get what I want. Not too sophisticated but just right for me!

Random Stuff...

2006-10-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

I need to get back into the swing of the blog so I'm just letting it flow today!

"No matter how right I am, people need to know how good God is." paraphrased from our guest speaker at church Sunday. Isn't that right though? If people don't know how good God is then what is their first instinct when people start talking about Him? Feeling judged, fear, embarrassment ( I know I should be at church on Sunday!) But when you speak to people who know God...it's totally different, it's hard to get a word in when they go on and on about what God has done in their life! But...how do you show how good God is to people who don't know Him? I have a feeling that if I had the answer to that question, I could change a lot of lives!! I know I can tell them what He's done for me but I wish I could hand people the feelings I get in my heart when I truly feel close to God, I wish I could hug people and transmit that peace that passes understanding when they are hurting. But all I can do is tell them so God must know that if we do talk...that must be enough for Him to do His work.

Wow...I've never thought of it quite that way!

Grief and Heaven

2006-09-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT

I got this off a website of a woman who lost her six year old son in June. She constantly amazes me how strong in her faith she is. She was talking about how much she looks forward to Heaven now, knowing that he is there. I also watched the Terri Irwin interview last night and her faith touched me also. She was saying that she knows that Steve's death happened for a reason and she knows she will see him again.

How bittersweet is death when you are a Christian? How can you grieve when you know that your loved one is in a place where there is no tears, no pain; only joy and thanksgiving? How can you survive if you don't have that comfort? How can you say goodbye to your child or your husband and believe that the connection you had is gone and they will only live in your memories?

My grandpa told me once that every time he would go see his mom, she'd say, "Foy, is that you?" and he said that he knows that when he gets to Heaven, he's gonna hear, "Foy, is that you?" How can you not rejoice when you hear that? I have a child that I know is being taken care of by Chad's dad in Heaven and I know that one day, I'll get to see her and meet her. (I don't know if she was a girl or not, we lost her too young, but in my heart I know.) Of course, I'll get to meet him too!

I don't mean this entry to be sad, I want you to read it and rejoice. I want you to know that death to God is not bad, it's when He gets to bring you home. Just think how happy you are when it's been a while since you've seen a loved one, that's the way it's gonna be for us. I think the reason we are on this Earth is to decide whether or not we're gonna follow God and then we get to celebrate for all of Eternity if we make that choice.

The "Do" verses...

2006-09-25T11:58:00.000-05:00

For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want – instead, I do what I hate. But if I do what I don’t want, I agree that the law is good. But now it is no longer me doing it, but sin that lives in me. For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do the good, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the very evil I do not want! Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer me doing it but sin that lives in me.
Romans 7:15-20

To me, these verses are such a comfort. When you can read them and understand them, you realize that God does get it! I call them the "do" verses because of how often that word is used. Okay...some background, Romans is written to baptized Christians who are trying to live a christian life. He is talking about that all Christians sin and these verses paraphrased by me go something like this...

I don't know why I do bad things. I don't want to, I want to be good and do what I should but I end up doing things that I can't stand. Even when I do bad things, I know that the things that God wants me to do are right. But, now that I am in Christ (baptized and living daily for Him), it's not me (the spiritual) doing these bad things, it's the physical (earthly) side. I know there is sin on earth and I know that as long as I am here, I will sin.

So, I find the law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God in my inner being. But I see a different law in my members waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 7:21-25

So, I know what I should do but there are times, I don't do it. Even though I want and know that what God wants me to do is the way to go, there is a struggle between my heart and body. How can I bring these two ways of thinking together? Through Jesus, of course! As long as I give him my heart and soul, He knows that my flesh belongs to the Earth. This is the grace that Jesus gives us.

But!

What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that our grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Romans 6:1-2

Just because God knows the struggles we face doesn't mean we get a free ticket to act out all of our earthly desires! As you grow closer to the Lord, the struggles will get easier and there won't be temptations put in our path where He won't give us a way out. This is just so reassuring knowing that we don't have to be perfect and God isn't up there with a check list going, "Boy, you sure messed that up!" Doesn't that just make you feel good? This is what God meant for it to be - reassuring.

Amen!!!

2006-09-14T07:07:00.000-05:00

I got this in my email this morning and I love it.

Our God is a Good God
by Max Lucado
“You are good, LORD. The LORD is good and right” (Ps. 25:7–8).
“Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8 NIV).

God is a good God. We must begin here. Though we don’t understand his actions, we can trust his heart.
God does only what is good. But how can death be good? Some mourners don’t ask this question. When the quantity of years has outstripped the quality of years, we don’t ask how death can be good.
But the father of the dead teenager does. The thirty-year-old widow does. How could death be good?
In God’s plan every life is long enough and every death is timely. And though you and I might wish for a longer life, God knows better.
And—this is important—though you and I may wish a longer life for our loved ones, they don’t. Ironically, the first to accept God’s decision of death is the one who dies.
While we are shaking heads in disbelief, they are lifting hands in worship. While we are mourning at a grave, they are marveling at heaven. While we are questioning God, they are praising God.
But, Max, what of those who die with no faith? My husband never prayed. My grandpa never worshiped. My mother never opened a Bible, much less her heart. What about the one who never believed?
How do we know he didn’t?
Who among us is privy to a person’s final thoughts? Who among us knows what transpires in those final moments? Are you sure no prayer was offered? Eternity can bend the proudest knees. Could a person stare into the yawning canyon of death without whispering a plea for mercy? And could our God, who is partial to the humble, resist it?
He couldn’t on Calvary. The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one. But Christ heard it. Christ received it. Maybe you never heard your loved one confess Christ, but who’s to say Christ didn’t?
We don’t know the final thoughts of a dying soul, but we know this. We know our God is a good God. He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9 NKJV). He wants your loved one in heaven more than you do. And he usually gets what he wants.

I would like to clarify that Mr. Lucado obviously believes that you just have to say the "Sinner's Prayer" to get into Heaven and I personally believe that baptism is a necessity. But to me, this article says that there are things between a human heart and God that we don't know anything about.

God's Design of a Helper

2006-09-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

This study can be found here.

The heart of her husband has confidence in her,
And he has no lack of gain.
She brings him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:11-12

1. Man was made in the image of God.
2. They were to rule over the fish, the birds, the livestock, the earth and all creatures.
3. God told them to be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.

God made this whole world for us. He made it so that we could create all the things that man has created. And he put us in charge of it.

God made woman to complete the man. She's to help him.

New Bible commentary:
The husband and wife complement each other. Suitable helper would be better-translated ‘helper matching him’, i.e. supplying what he lacks. She is his missing rib. Matthew Henry commented on God’s choice of a rib to create Eve: ‘Not made out of his head to top him, not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.’ Perhaps this reads a little too much into the rib, but it expresses well the biblical ideal of marriage.

"In Genesis 1 woman is part of God’s plan to create mankind in His image, along with the man. In Genesis 2 she is the companion and “helper” (NASB) or “companion” (NET) to her husband. Man was never intended to be complete apart from the woman; she is his perfect partner. Both are made in God’s image and likeness. Both are to rule and exercise dominion over all of creation. Genesis 1 relates God’s purposes for all of mankind, our overall responsibility on earth. Chapter 2 describes the relationship of husband and wife. "

Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth."

If God can be a helper, then it's not a place of submission.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The wife supports the husband by bringing him good, clothes, feeds, buys property, plants a vineyard (brings in income), she trades, she creates, she gives to the poor, she sells cloth, she has strength, dignity, wisdom, humor and faith. She takes care of the house, her kids and her husband. God knew woman would work so hard for their family so he set this example up of how a man should appreciate her. This isn't some example women will never reach, it's God knowing that we would work without ceasing. He knows and He appreciates.
I've never read that passage and realized that.

Clarity

2006-09-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

I had a moment of clarity at church Sunday and it's one of those thoughts that I need to keep in my head all the time.

Do not be proud of your relationship with God. Take pride in it, definitely, but don't think that just because you have one, you are better than anyone else. I wish I knew how to line out words because I was thinking of this last night and I don't agree with even taking pride in it. Instead, thank God every day that you have one. Thank God that he wants us to love him and be with him. Thank God that there is no goodbye and that we can all live with him and each other for eternity.

And what is so scary, is that there is such a fine line in those two things and it seems to me the only difference sometimes is the tone of voice. You've heard it, that oily tone that takes over when we talk about how we're doing something and we just happened to notice someone else not doing it. If it turns me off, think how it turns off people searching for the Lord.

September 11th

2006-09-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

I can't put into words what I want to say, so I'm just gonna let these verses speak for me today. See how the first part guarantees that there is suffering but the second part says that there is so much more out there for us?

I hope we all remember the victims and families of 9-11 today and remember that this part is hard but "God has all of eternity to make up for it."*

*My minister said that yesterday and I like it!

God's Design for Oneness

2006-09-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

This lesson can be found here.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24

Three things that characterize a marriage:
1. Leaving your mom and dad
2. Joining your spouse
3. Becoming one

The original Hebrew word cleave means to weld or glue. That means that it is something that is put together and meant to stay together. When you weld or glue something together, it isn't a temporary bond, it's meant to replace and become a new thing.

Ruth 1:16-17
...Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried...

I am incredibly close to my parents but Chad is my first thought and priority. I followed him to Florida from Oregon without a thought of leaving my parents. It's taken us a while but I think we rely more and more on each other than we used to. I don't consider myself independent from Chad on the important stuff and if I do, I don't mean to. I really try to work together with him in all ways. One thing I have learned in my marriage is that the marriage comes first before me or Chad. You know that saying, there are three sides to every issue - yours, theirs and the truth. Well, to me, my marriage is the truth. My opinion may not count and Chad's may not count but I'll do what I have to do to make the marriage count. I don't go behind Chad's back at all. I have to be honest with him.

Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

I can say with full confidence that we live out those verses.

I try really hard not to usurp Chad's authority in front of the boys and we do discuss our parenting techniques, I give him my reasons and he gives me his. I try to always keep first and foremost in my mind that he's making them into men. I am too, but he is their main role model and I'm not a man. Neva was saying that Morgan was a really good boy and I agreed and then said that I thought Chad was too hard on him and she goes, "maybe that's why he's such a good boy." I'm so glad she said that because it's absolutely right. My boys aren't good because of just me. It's both of us that have created good kids.

As for putting Chad first before the kids, I try to do that too. The kids are gonna grow up and leave and I still want a healthy relationship with Chad when they are gone.

Your husband is your other half. Together you create a whole and that doesn't mean that either one of you is more important or anything. I love Chad and I will go out of my way every day to make him happy. Not because I have to but because I want to. I want him to look at me and know that his happiness is important to me. It's so easy to get carried away with the whole selfish outlook of "it's all about me and what about my happiness?" but I tell you, I am happier because I have a happy man. We appreciate each other and it's because we both work at it.

Dear God, help me to always put my marriage first. Help me to be the wife that You want me to be to Chad. Help me to be a good example to my boys of what a wife should be like. Thank you so much that I have a man that appreciates me and really tries to be the best husband he can be. In Jesus name, Amen.

Going in a new direction.

2006-09-08T12:06:00.000-05:00

I wanted this to be a book by book study guide on the bible but I just can't do that. More importantly I wanted this to be my time to study and be in the Word and honestly, going over stuff I've already gone over is boring to me. So, I found some bible studies at www.bible.org and I've decided to go from there.

Acts 2:14-41

2006-08-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

" 'In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

Even on my servants, both men and women,

I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy.

I will show wonders in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and billows of smoke.

The sun will be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood

before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

And everyone who calls

on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

" 'I saw the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will live in hope,

because you will not abandon me to the grave,

nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

" 'The Lord said to my Lord:

"Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet."

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far offÂfor all whom the Lord our God will call."
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Okay, it's getting good! Peter gets up and tells the group that this is what Joel prophesied about in the OT, they aren't drunk!

Verse 17 says, In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

What that means is that the last days between the Old Law and the New Law. The old law is the law of the OT. The new law is what Jesus set forth. With Jesus we are covered by grace and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. The old law is physical and the new law is spiritual. This day had been prophesied since Adam and Eve's time.

When he says that he will pour out my Spirit on all people that means that anyone can receive it.

I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below - he's talking about the wind and the flame that appeared when the Holy Spirit came.

The sun will be turned to darknessandn the moon to blood - this is what happened when Jesus died.

the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord - Jesus' resurrection

everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved - calling on the name of the Lord doesn't mean to pray and your saved it includes faith and responding to that faith by actions.

I'm gonna continue this another time.

Acts 2:1-13

2006-08-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

Pentecost is the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover Week. It is also called the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Harvest and the day of first fruits. Passover is sometime in April, so you're looking at sometime in June for Pentecost.

The speaking of tongues they are talking about is explained further below when they say that each individual person hears them speaking in their own native tongue. And it was the Holy Spirit that let that happen. I think it's funny that so many people find it amazing that they are speaking in different languages and then the last verse says that some thought they were just drunk. Kind of like today, some people are amazed at what God does and other people just blow it off as coincedence or whatever.

Acts 1:12-26

2006-08-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms,

" 'May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,' and,
" 'May another take his place of leadership.'

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

They are talking about Judas, who was the disciple that betrayed Jesus to the Roman guards. The verses they are talking about come from Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. They say that when he threw the 30 pieces of silver back at the priests that they used that money to buy the field where he died.

Basically what they did was just add another disciple to take the place of Judas.

Acts 1:1-11

2006-08-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

I'm gonna start in Acts. The first four books of the New Testament are the stories of Jesus' life written by four different view points. We'll get back to them.

Acts 1:1-11

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

My bible, which is the Zondervan NIV states that Luke is the author and it was probably written anywhere from 63 A.D. to 70.

The former book Luke is talking about is his gospel Luke which discusses the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The gift he is talking about is the Holy Spirit which will be given to the disciples later on in Acts.

Restoring the kingdom to Israel - The disciples always had a hard time believing that Jesus wasn't going to give Israel back to them. When he would talk about being King or Lord, they always thought that it would be because he overthrew the current government and took over but he was always talking about the Kingdom of Heaven - which was the spiritual kingdom, concerning our souls as opposed to anything physical they were going to be rewarded.

When he talks about them being witnesses, the disciples were the next step in the formation of the church here on Earth. The early disciples had a lot of the same miraculous powers as Jesus did.

The two men in white - common description of angels. They were telling the disciples that Jesus was going to appear again the same way he had left - through the clouds.

Background

2006-08-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

When I was ready to learn about the bible, my Grandpa taught me verse by verse most of the New Testament at his kitchen table. We would skip back and forth and he would show how one verse led to another and tied yet another into it. I want other people to learn what he taught me.

I also want to give people the chance to actually learn the bible. Not what they think it says by people who twist it around to fit their own purposes or verses used out of context. If I'm confused I'm lucky enough to have three people in my life that I can go to. My grandpa who started really getting into the bible so that he could prove people wrong. But he learned a lot more than just how he could win. My father and mother in law are also people I turn to when I have questions. They've both gone to Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX and my father in law is a preacher at a church in Spearman, TX. I trust them because they've learned on their own, they have delved into the Word and have created their own relationship with God from their beliefs, not what others have fed them.

And that is what I want for myself and for you if you have found this site. I want you to learn on your own. Pick up a bible and read it. Don't listen to people who have been hurt by people at church. Church should be where you go to worship God, to fellowship, where you can interact with other Christians and know you aren't alone in the world. But the meat of your knowledge needs to come from your personal studies and if you are lucky enough as I was to have a man with a lot of years of knowledge under his belt to help, you're already half way there.