He Loved Me - Even When I Was Mad At Him...

What do you do - When you love God but you're also so mad at Him - that you want to back away from Him? You are so angry - that you back away from church - your core group of Christian friends - your devotionals? This is where I have been the past three (3) weeks... I'm angry... But even through my anger - He made His presence and His love known to me.....

We have been going through our first serious trials of being a parent to a teen - A teen that decided she knew best... A teen that created such a mess that she could not find her way out... Instead of seeking help from us her parents - she decided to take out her anger on us.... She covered her fear and lack of control by being rebellious and disrespectful....

Before things started to spiral out of control - my daughter had left a message with the dean of girls at her school... She wanted to talk to her about something... Due to the busyness of the end of the year school activities - the dean did not get back to her for over a week...

God's timing is Perfect!!!! This is what the dean said when she called me after her discussion with my kid... This is what happened:

The dean finally called my daughter in to talk and my kid was mad...The first thing my daughter said is this, "I know why you called me in here - I don't know why my mom can't stay out of my business!" The dean advised my daughter she had no idea what she was talking about... She said that she called my daughter in because she had left a note that she wanted to talk.... My kid was shocked.... The dean asked her if she wanted to talk about what she meant... At first my kid said no and then all of a sudden everything came out... This huge weight was lifted off my kid's shoulders... The secret burdens she was hiding were freed and when my daughter came home and we talked - we cried together... and the healing started.....

You see - if the dean had called my kid in earlier - it would not have helped what had happened later... I was at a loss - I was so fearful for my daughter.... But God - opened that door of communication.. He knew I was desperate .... He knew my kid needed me.... He showed me He loved me regardless of how I was feeling about Him.... He is much bigger than my human emotions.. .. His love is far greater than I could ever imagine... I am in awe... I am humbled..

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. if I rise on the wings of dawn if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-9

Archaeological Evidence - The Parting Of The Red Sea

My belief in God is based on Faith... I believe that the Bible is the Word of God.... I do not need physical proof of His existence.... But.....

I do have to admit that I love when archaeological evidence supports the Bible... These two videos are incredible - They show actual proof (in my opinion) of locations in the Bible that support - Moses crossing the Red Sea - Mount Sinai- the alter for the golden calf - and more... What do you think?



Chariot Wheels..

The Facts About The Crucifixion

Warning: Details of the crucifixion may be too graphic for some

As followers of Christ - we know that God sent his only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).. We know - that Jesus Christ was the lamb of God (John 1:29).... We know that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).. But do we think about His sacrifice for us...? Do we ever think about the cross? The real actual pain... fear - that Jesus bore for us.... Do you think about the time that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was betrayed....? Do you think about how He prayed to God - asking God if there was a chance to take this cup away...? Do you think about how he prayed so hard that His sweat became like great drops of blood? (Luke 22:44)

Last Sunday - a friend of mine read a passage out of a book she was reading.... It was the story of the crucifixion... What was a crucifixion - where did it come from... What did it mean? The details were hard to hear.... Many of us listening had tears in our eyes... One woman covered her ears...

Where did the practice of crucifixion come from? The first known practice was by the Persians.

What is the practice of crucifixion? Torture and execution by fixation to a cross.

Who perfected this torture? The Romans - they were very efficient and skillful.

Most common form? Was the Tau cross shaped like a "T" There is archeological evidence that supports that this is the type of cross that Jesus was crucified on.

Before the prisoner carries his 110 lb cross to his execution - he is scourged. The definition is: inflicting severe punishment.. severe pain...

What happened when Pilate condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion?

Scourging happens when the prisoner (Jesus) is stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post about His head. A short whip that has several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each strap. This very heavy whip is brought down full force again and again across the shoulders.... the legs... the back... At first the straps bruise... then the skin breaks apart and then the whips hit muscle - causing massive blood loss...

When Jesus was untied the soldiers continued to mock Him - calling Him the king of the Jews... They threw a robe over his bleeding shoulders and made a crown of thorns and pressed it into His scalp - when they tired to this game - they ripped off the robe causing the wounds to open more and His pain to increase...

After the torture... suffering from blood loss and dehydration - Jesus was to carry His cross. He could not do it and Simon of Cyrene was ordered to carry it for Jesus...

Once He arrived at the execution spot - the guards quickly threw Jesus backward with His shoulders against the wood. Large, heavy, square, wrought-iron nails were hammered into His wrists into the wood - each wrist was nailed to the cross - they were careful not to pull the arms to tightly - they had to allow for some movement... The left foot is now pressed against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven though the arch of each - leaving the knees a little flexed... Jesus is now crucified.

As the body sags and more weight is on the nails the wrists are in pain - then to try to get away from the pain of the wrists.. the full weight is brought on his feet and more painful agony... As the arms get more tired - great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles - the cramps make it almost impossible to push Himself up - hanging in this manner causes the pectoral muscles to paralyze and the inter-costal muscles are unable to act - making it difficult to exhale air from the lungs.... Hours of unbelieving pain - cramping, partial asphyxiation, the heart being compressed and causing the heart to stop beating... Most die from either heart failure or loss of oxygen... Jesus is believed to have died from heart failure...

The common practice of crucifixion was to break the bones of the legs to prevent the victim from pushing himself up to help him breath... They did not have to do this to Jesus he was dead.. and to make doubly sure He was dead - a soldier drove a sword through His side and immediately blood and water came out....

I challenge you to look up to Him and thank Him this coming Good Friday - April 2nd... Thank Him for loving us... thank Him for his suffering so that we can be forgiven. The wages of sin is death..... and He died so that We could Live......

What I Read Today

Today - I went to my Bible looking for answers... looking for inspiration... looking for God.... Don't you just love it when you open the bible to any random page and your eyes drift to exactly what you need to read? Here are the verses I read today... Do you see any common denominator? The verses were read in this order.

Exodus 23:2 Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd...

Ephesians 5:23-28 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing of water through the word.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things: so not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

1 John 4:12 No one has ever see God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to he glory and praise of God.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will..

I'm guessing - He has a lot to say to me today...

Stop Whining... Start Doing...

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit with you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

One of my greatest desires is to do something spectacular.. Something that will make the difference in another person's life.... Something so great that it could only be from God... Tonight my husband and I were talking... I was talking about the disappointment I felt with our church.. with our women ministry group... I was disappointed that people (including myself) don't seem fired up to go out there in our own mission field.. Yes, overseas missions is something I want to do one day... But today - there is so much that can be done here... now.... today!

Last year we talked about serving others and this year we tried to follow through - we had a very low attendance... It's easy to say we'll go out and serve the Lord but it's hard to go out and do it.... As I was whining about my disappointment - Dusty, the husband asked me why don't I just do something... Get a program - an event started.. Get people involved.... Basically he said stop whining and start doing.... How about that mirror in the face???

Now I wonder what can I do? I think I need to let God tell me... It's funny when I wait on Him - He always answers.... Things are about to change... I feel it... God has given me a new heart... a new purpose... I was just too busy complaining about others not telling me what to do.... I was too concerned what others were doing and not doing... But God has shown in His Word that He uses small people... small groups... and sometimes only one individual to do His Mighty Work.... I say God use me.... however You choose.....

If Courage Could Be Mine

If Courage Could Be Mine

I asked you one day Father
If courage could be mine
You told me to be patient
All Virtues come with time.

I looked for her in trials
I looked for her in pain
For it was hard to see her
When comfort came again.

Never did I notice
Until the years went by
That courage had been watching
When tears did cloud my eyes.

She came upon a whisper
And held my hand in hers
Slowly she did lift me
To take away my fears.

She woke my heart up slowly
Or I would turn away
Too frightened by the picture
Of the love God gave away.

I felt my spirit growing
No fear or shadows fell
Courage was beneath me
My faith the deepest well.

I asked you one day Father
If courage could be mine
You said that it was with me
And had been for all time.
author Anne Peters.

The Burning Bush

Last weekend I was at my church's women retreat..... It started off good - well, sort of... not really..... I was sick... boy was I sick.. I tried to talk myself out of being sick but things just kind of got worse.... I ended up going home the last night and missing out on the following morning's activities.. Sunday morning... Sunday afternoon.... and Sunday night - My back was glued to the bed and couch.... I'm still not doing great..... I have a bugger of a cold....

You know when you are not feeling well and you find it difficult to concentrate on things? That is how it was for me most of my weekend.... I enjoyed the women I was with... A great bunch of girls that I am glad to know..... There were a couple of wonderful testimonies..... But the video segments about killed me... or put me to sleep... Until.. I heard the term burning bush... The author of the book Organic God, Margaret Feinburg was talking about when Moses went up the mountain and saw the Burning Bush of God... What would have happened if he just walked by and did not pay attention... If he refused to acknowledge that Burning Bush.... if he refused to acknowledge God...?

Ms. Feinburg took the "Burning Bush" analogy one step further.... How many times in our lives have we had the opportunity to glorify God (burning bush) and not do it? How many times have we spoken with someone who was reaching for help and not acknowledge it? How many times have we been too busy in our own lives to do God's work? How many times have we walked by a burning bush?

I loved that analogy - I found it eye opening..... and very thought provoking.... I know I have been guilty of walking by a few burning bushes because I did not have the time..... What if God did not have the time for me???

We as Christians have to see those burning bushes.... We need to glorify God in any way we can.... We need to make the time...... We need to acknowledge that burning bush....

God's Love Does Not Mean Acceptance

One of the things I hear often is people trying to define God into their terms... Trying to fit God into their understanding so that all is okay... because God is Love... Most of the people that say these things are not into the Word... They may have glossed over the Book... they may have been to a Bible study or two... They may even go to church on a regular basis.... But the fact remains - God is God under His terms....

God does love us - every single one of us... God has compassion for us - every single one of us.... God forgives us - but not every single one of us.. What I mean by that is - you MUST ask God for forgiveness and you MUST accept His Son as your Savior... There is NO other way - this is what I believe.... This is what the Bible teaches....

In the Bible there are Rules - I'm sure you all have read the 10 commandments.. But there are other things that God expects of us... We are to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving your neighbor as yourself does not mean that you are to accept their sin as your own.. It does not mean that by loving someone that you turn a blind eye to their lives.... It means to love the person... but you can and should Hate the sin....

In California, the Harvey Milk Bill has been signed by our Terminator Governor - Arnold Schwarzenegger. What the bill will do is designate a day in May for the public schools from kindergarten to senior years to learn about Harvey Milk and the gay life style... Click Here to learn about Harvey Milk. I am not against this because the guy was gay.. I am against this because there are so many other good things that can be brought into the schools.. My biggest question is this: Why is it okay to have a Harvey Milk Day - (glorifying the gay life style and giving hope to the gay, lesbian, and transgender. That is the purpose of this day according to the Bill..) and not have a Christian Day?

It's NOT okay to bring Jesus into the schools.. It's NOT okay to bring God into the schools.... It's NOT okay to sit in a circle during lunch break hold hands and pray... It's NOT okay to do a book report on a Christian book without an atheist teacher mocking the student.. It's NOT okay to talk about, read about, and pray about a God that represents love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, right and wrongs, telling the truth, and all that is good.... Why is that? But it's okay to celebrate a man who had multiple sex partners... It's okay to celebrate a man that tried to legalize marijuana... Come on..... There are so many other previous California residences that qualify far better than Mr. Milk. How about Ronald Reagan?

The Newport Beach/Costa Mesa school district voted unanimously against this bill and I am pretty sure that most school districts will... Why wasn't this Bill brought to the voters? Probably because the government knew it would be voted down in a landslide....

Many of my liberal friends have said that they are happy that the governor has signed this bill.... And my liberal friends respect the fact that I am foaming at the mouth..... and that's okay - in our friendships - we have our differences and each of us brings something new into each others worlds and thinking... but - I do have to say this....

In 1 Corinthians chapter 6 it talks about the sins that identify a person if they continue to do them.... Homosexuality is often singled out to be the "bad" one. And that is wrong - All sin is bad.. All of it - not just some of it... what about the other sins... fornication (pre-martial sex), idolatry, adultery, stealing, coveting, alcoholism, lying, and gossip.... Basically we are ALL guilty of one or more of these... but it's the ones who ask for forgiveness and try to sin no more are the ones who are forgiven....

God's Love does not mean acceptance and no matter how a person or persons want to twist it around... Going against God's rules and letting the sin define you is not going to be accepted by God.. Much of society has accepted it... but they are not God....

Does God Exist?

Saw this today - loved it - wanted to share it...

When Your Hut Is On Fire!

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him.

Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One
day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in
flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had
happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief,
grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!

'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers.

'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story : It's easy to get discouraged when things
are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in
our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that
the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It
just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Crazy Feet Are Prayer Walking To A Town Near You

Today I was wondering what I was thinking... What was I thinking to say yes to being a part of the women ministry leadership team..... I am more of a back ground kinda gal.. I love to give ideas... but I don't want to be the one putting myself out there and gasp* public speaking..... I could feel my stomach tossing and turning.... before I had to talk... but something happened.... I started talking.... but the words were not just my words... Granted I was nervous still... granted I could hear my voice shake... but the words I wanted to say came out... the words that I did not know how to say came out.. My true depth of feeling came through... my excitement on where God is leading was known... not just to the women I was speaking to but to myself.....

We had the opportunity yesterday as a team to learn how to prayer walk.. How to pray while you walk - so as not to be obvious.... One big thing I learned - do not I repeat do not close your eyes while prayer walking.. especially on sidewalks, streets, and/or stairs... it's amazing how many things there are in our community to pray for.. the people, the schools, the spiritual battles, and so much more.. Yesterday I practiced praying in the church sanctuary... at first I just welcomed God into His home.... as we were going down the pews - I started to picture different families and people groups who sit in the pews I was walking by... Suddenly my prayers started to become more specific... more detailed... more loving... more God in complete control... I was having an out loud conversation with God and it became so personal... so incredibly eye opening... heart attacking... inspiring.. and I am just sitting here writing this and one word comes to mind... awe... I was in awe of Him..

Next Sunday will be our first "Big" prayer walk.. We are going to Huntington Beach pier in Southern California... Did you know that Orange County, California is the 2nd largest human trafficking area in the United States? Huntington Beach pier is a very common place for children, teens, and young adults to be preyed on.... by the predators from the Internet.... from sex and drug dealers... and so many other scary things...

We are going to prayer walk the pier - Main Street. And if someone we pass by on our walk needs a prayer - I look forward to praying for them.. Yes, you heard it right - me - Miss I will never pray in front of people... wants to pray for strangers.... crazy things are happening.... and my crazy feet are taking me on a journey... a prayer journey... with God.... can't ask for better company .. can you?

Our Founding Fathers Believed....

Today the government talks about separation of church and state and keeping Christianity and prayer out of the schools... but what the government has forgotten is that America's founders were devoutly Christian. George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock for example all knew that God was important to the future of this country.. Our founding fathers based their decisions on biblical principles and believed that the future of our nation would govern themselves under the Word of Jesus Christ.

Benjamin Franklin - "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men, and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

John Adams (2nd President) -- "Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence toward Almighty God... What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be."
excerpts taken from Rose Publishing

Our government has taken the stance that they know more than God... They have taken the stance that the Bible is old fashioned.. A great example is President Obama's comment about the sermon on the Mount and calling Jesus' sermon radical and not realistic.. Society has followed in the governments footsteps... not because society is bad.... but because many do not know better...

There is a vast difference between God's wisdom and man's.
The apostle Paul writes:Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 What this means is that The wisdom of this world does not coincide with God's wisdom. Paul is urging the Corinthian church to humble themselves because they are not wiser than God..

Walt Whitman spoke well of the contrast between knowledge and wisdom in his Song of The Open Road: Wisdom is not finally tested by the schools, Wisdom cannot be pass'd from one having it to another not having it, Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof"

I fear for today's society..... I fear for the future of our children... Without God... there is nothing..

"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" Proverbs 2:6

Dancing With God

I received this poem from my sister, Debbie - it's about Guidance - the dancers in the pictures are my sister's daughters - my nieces..... says the proud aunt...

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and every day. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else... Interceding in prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another. And I Hope You Dance ! May God Bless you always.

My Friend Connie

Be Still, And Know That I am God - Psalms 46:10

What a powerful verse, don't you think? Be Still and Know I am God.. know that I love you... know that I AM in Control... know that I KNOW.. everything....

My friend Connie recently adopted this verse as her life verse in this season of her life... She told me that she has come to realize that God is definitely in control.... and she has seized to worry about life. She has left it in God's hands... and she trusts in Him and knows she will be taken care of.

Every believer has a vital role that has been assigned to us by God Himself. That is why we should never boast in what we do nor think too little of ourselves. Each one of us is important to God and has a mission to accomplish here on earth....

Connie is a person that had the gift of teaching and of extraordinary faith - she is an inspiration to me.... She never brags about all that she does for her different ministries.. she just goes about God's work and is happy doing it.... I have learned so much from her and I look forward to seeing her soon...

Dealing With Conflict - God's Way

There has been some conflict in my life lately.... Conflicts with people I love.... I am one of those people that truly hates conflict.... but I am also one of those people that does not believe in sweeping things under the rug.... Recently my kids stayed a week with their grandparents.. There were many conflicts during that time... Many hurt feelings.. many misunderstandings... One of the things their grandmother would say after a conflict - was - okay let's just forget "it" happened... don't tell your parents.. and we'll move on... Well, no disrespect towards my mother in law but that just doesn't work.... My youngest came home very upset.... many hurt feelings and at this time does not want to talk or see her nana... I have a sister who I love with all my heart - but last year right after my dad died and feelings were raw - we had a big conflict.... and to this day our relationship is not the same.... not even close. I miss her.
We as humans can have problems with people... Believers who love the Lord and try to serve Him still can have conflicts with people (being a follower of Christ does not make us/me immune)... It would be great if everyone would just get a long... but in the real world unfortunately that does not happen continually.. It just doesn't.... Many people avoid confrontations... they fear being disliked or rejected.. But after time they start to resent the person they are avoiding and that doesn't do any good... We tend to have a belief that in every conflict there must be a winner and a loser.... at least I have always thought that... I have learned recently that there can be a win-win outcome in a conflict... but the conflict must be approached with the right attitude and the right heart... We need to confront with respect for the other person involved....
Matthew 18:15-16 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses...
The longer we wait to confront someone - the more distracted we get.... the more angry we get.. and the problem develops a life of its own.. We need to address problems now ... today... we must not let it fester... we must not lose our loved ones... Positive confrontations is a way to show that we care about a person.. Each time you build up people - you give them the chance to grow... you give yourself a chance to grow..
Luke 6:36-41 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you... Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?.. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
We need to deal with conflict the way God has outlined in the Bible...
A.W. Tozer once said, "Never be afraid of honest criticism. If the critic is wrong, you can help him; and if your wrong, he can help you. Either way, somebody's helped"

Soften That Hardened Heart.....

The only way to get to Heaven is through Jesus Christ.. The only way to get to Jesus Christ is to admit we are sinners, ask for forgiveness, and ask Him into our heart... It's free!!! It can not be earned.. The price has already been paid through His blood on the cross...
What really frustrates me is that society can dance around these straight and simple facts... Society implies if you are a good person then you'll go to Heaven... I'm thinking that there are a lot of "good" people in Hell right now... for the simple reason that they did not accept Christ..
Good works does not pave your way to Heaven.... following the ten commandments does not get you to Heaven... Many people in society are tricked into believing that only the bad evil people go to Hell.... that is so not true... I get fearful for many loved ones I know.. who are great people in my opinion...But refuse to see the truth.. refuse to listen to the truth.... are convinced that their way of living is okay... Many people say they "believe in God or a higher power" but do they really? Do they really know God? Jesus?
When I first became a follower of Christ - I was on fire... I wanted everyone to have what I had... I had a hard time believing that people were not ready to jump on board to Jesus... and while I mature in my walk - I have learned that many hearts are hardened..
In a society where having children outside of marriage is perfectly acceptable and if you are against gay marriage then you are a hater, and worshiping money is the normal way of life...I can see why many hearts are hardened.

Excerpt from "The Loving Heart
The hardened heart is a stubborn attitude that leads a person to reject God's will. It is an act of defiance, but seldom one of ignorance. We know the message, but we reject part or all of it. We may, for instance, believe that God's laws are primarily designed to promote a harsh, sanctimonious view of others. This is what many New Ager's think -- that traditional Christians are too judgmental. So they pick the part of God's message they like -- love, for instance -- and apply that as the essence of the law, while rejecting the rest of it. They are dead wrong, of course. Forbearance and humbleness is the way of Christ, not self-righteousness. But their hardened hearts will not accept this truth. They believe what their hardened hearts want to believe.
When God's ethical standards seem too high, people can suffer hardened hearts. When He allows personal tragedy to strike, hearts may harden against Him. When He leads us on paths where we do not want to go, that may harden hearts. Total submission to His will softens hearts, and God's people must always have a soft heart toward their Creator. A soft heart is also an open heart, open to His will and open to His plan for our lives.

Today and everyday I pray - for people to soften their hearts... Get up close and personal to their Savior... He loves us so much and wants us to open our hearts to Him....

Crazy Love For God..

Matthew 22:37-40 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

I started reading a book today called Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan. I was asked to read it before my retreat this weekend. Right away even before I hit chapter one, the preface got to me... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.... and Love your neighbor as yourself... That to me was just a kick in the pants... really. As Christians we know what we are suppose to do... but do we act on it? Do I act on it? The answer if I am going to be truthful here would be no.... I don't love my neighbor as I love myself... heck - I don't know many of my neighbors - I don't know many of my friends...

The funny thing is I want to love my neighbors as I love myself but how do I do it? How do I follow Jesus' example of unconditional love? I think the first step is to stop being a Sunday only Christian..... I need to be a 7 day 24 hour kind of Christian.... At church, I feel closer to God because I am there to worship Him.... when I walk out the door and get into the car - I am no longer worshiping - I've become mom and wife again with all the duties and obligations that it entails... Finding time to love my neighbor much less think about my neighbor almost becomes impossible.... almost...

When my pastor talks about living the "Uncommon Life" - I think - yes, that is what I am going to do.... Worldly stuff so long... I am here to serve God and only Him.... and for the most part, I believe that I am a good Christian woman but...................... I could do so much more to glorify Him.... so much more...

I am beginning to believe that serving God and living the uncommon life of a Christian is not something that comes naturally to me. I really don't believe it comes naturally for anyone... We are human.... with human and worldly desires... That does not mean that I don't love God with ALL my heart... I know I do... it just means that we (I) have to put actions to words and thoughts. It means I need to put "me" on the back burner and follow God... Take up that cross...

I believe that I (we) need to continue to grow in our faith... We need to challenge ourselves and others.. We need to lead my example.... We need to be accountable... We need to love..

God Does Not Change In Spirit Or In Mind

Do you ever hear God talk to you? I never thought I did.... I have never seen the Heavens open up and a loud booming voice above saying, "Kelly, do you hear me?" I've never run across a burning bush... and I don't hear a man's voice in my head...and never has a very old man dressed in white with a long flowing beard ever graced my front door. (that has always been my impression on how He would look)
A few years ago when I had filed for divorce from my husband (whom I am currently madly in love with)...it seemed to me that every sermon our pastor preached he said "Kelly, divorce is wrong... it'll hurt your kids, and God hates divorce... Listen up... do ya hear me?" I listened.... it took three years for me to put action to what God wanted and I keep asking myself why didn't I do it sooner?
Yesterday I was on Face Book - my guilty pleasure - and read what a friend gave as her status: "I want to know if I pray and hear from God, but others don't agree with what God told me, should they tell me to keep praying? Will God change his plan because I pray MORE??....
That status got me to thinking....God has a plan for each and everyone of us... What He may want for me might not necessarily be what He wants for you.... God does answer our prayers and He does clarify what He wants.... I believe for us to understand Him is to be in constant prayer.... One of the comments made to my friend was that God Never changes His mind (that was my comment) and in response to my comment another of her friends said, "I have a ministry so I know that God has changed His mind.. not His plan.... but He does change His mind..." She brought up a couple of things that happened in the Bible. This is what she said...Actually in Genesis 18 God did change his mind. When he first wanted to destroy Sodom, Abraham asked him if he would destroy the righteous with the wicked. God told him that if he could find 50 good men he would save the nation, eventually Abraham talked God into saving the nation for 10 good men.
And in Matthew 15 when the Canaanite pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter, Jesus told her he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel, she persisted. So he told it would not be right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs. To which she replied that even dogs get crumbs from their master's table. Jesus rewarded her faith by healing her daughter. So this is 2 instances where God was willing to change his mind. I don't believe he changes his plans, love, or purposes for us, but sometimes he does shift the way in which they are fulfilled.. With all respect to my friend's friend - I have to completely disagree with her interpretation.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord,I do not change
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
The Scriptures that are interpreted as God seeming to change His mind are human attempts to explain the actions of God. God was going to do something, but instead did something else. To us, that sounds like a change. But to God, who is omniscient and sovereign, it is not a change. God always knew what He was going to do. God does what He needs to do to cause humanity to fulfill His perfect plan.
I am not an expert of the Bible.. nor have I studied the Bible in school.. What I do know is what I feel... what I think... am I right? I can't guarantee it..but I feel it to be true... What do you think?

There Is Only One Road to Heaven...

One of the things that Oprah Winfrey said in a clip about "her church" that I shared with you recently is that all roads lead to what we may believe as god.. some people call it the light... some people call it peace... it doesn't matter what road you take.. as long as you end up with love and peace.. many of the women in the audience disputed what she said.... she would not address them... Oprah only said that there has to be different roads to "god"... and the women were saying no no no.. there is only One road and Oprah shook her head like they were nuts....
There is a common belief today that "All roads lead to God." Although it sounds good to respect each other's religious faith, the Bible teaches that the only way a person can be with God.. is on God's terms... not society's terms.... It seems to me that people will often just agree with this idea of all roads lead to a "god" -because it is easier that way... people are more friendly towards you because you are "open minded" and not some Jesus freak... but keeping our mouths closed isn't doing anyone any favors...
The Bible is the only inspired Word of God. Historians and archaeologist both agree that the Bible passes the test of time. Written over 1,500 years, by 40 authors on 3 different continents and contrary to popular belief, the Bible was completed with 99.99% precision... that definitely convinces me to it authenticity. In addition there are 330 specific prophecies about the coming Messiah in the old testament that Jesus fulfilled with 100% accuracy...
The resurrection of Jesus is the main belief in Christianity and the historical evidence is conclusive - actual eyewitnesses - people who loved Christ and people that despised Him.... Why would someone that hated Christ admit to His resurrection?
Jesus claims to be the ONLY WAY to eternal salvation... Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" Our life in Heaven depends on our belief and our faith in the Jesus Christ..
It cannot be true that "All roads lead to God" When we consider the different teachings about God from different religions, we see that they cannot all be true.. Many contradict each other or themselves in critical areas.. God does not make mistakes.... God does not change... He is and He will always be....

The Flood

There once was a man who loved God..
He would pray and pray each and every day.
One day a huge flood came roaring through his neighborhood..
The waters started to rise.
He prayed to God to save him..
The waters rose even higher and still the man prayed
The man climbed to the roof of his house and
He prayed.
As he was sitting on the roof and praying
A man came by on a boat.. "Come jump on my boat and I will save you," he said
and the man said "no, God will save me"
So the man continued to sit on his roof and pray..
Later a man on a canoe rows by, "Come jump on my canoe and I will save you," he said.
and the man said, "no, God will save me"
so the man waited and prayed and waited some more
All of a sudden a helicopter is hovering above the man's house
"Grab the line and I will save you," yelled the pilot..
"Oh, no the man says..God will save me"
The waters rose and rose and the man drowned.
The man arrives in Heaven... and is standing before God.
"Father, I prayed for you to save me and you did not." said the man
And God said," Dear Son, who do you think was in the boat, the canoe, and the Helicopter?"

God always answers our prayers.....but are we always listening?