New Year, New Plan

I haven't been on here that much this past year.  I'm not sure what is going on with me.  I am going to try to do better at posting more this year.  I would write in my planner to post on the blog last year and then just never do it.  The past year or so has been rather strange.  I never pretend I have it all together and this past year has really shown me that I am way off from where I should be.  I am trying to work on different areas this year, the most important ones that really matter.  As far as writing goes I want to post more and write a little every day.  I don't worry about starting on January 1st, I am slowly working on organizing my to do list (it's a mess) and making sure that I get things done.  I am one of those people who have a master to do list a mile long, I can write thirty things to do today in a couple of minutes.  The problem is that I don't have a very good system in actually doing the things on my to do list.  Thank you for stopping by even if I haven't been posting that much.  I'm a WIP (work in progress). 

IF:Gathering 2017

The IF:Gathering will be Feb. 3rd & 4th this year.  I hope that you attended a local event the last couple of years or at least watched at home in your pj's:)  If you haven't then know that this event is trying to equip women to do the work that God has given us, but to do it with passion, heart and a resilience that nothing will get in our way.  It's that important ladies!  These events have been some of the best I've ever attended.  The Austin team asks for a donation of $1 to attend an IF:Local.  Most retreats for a weekend are over $150, this is $1 (OK, the more money donated the more it will help this great group of ladies).

This is the fourth year for the event that is held in Austin, TX, but has IF:Local's around the world.  A weekend of amazing speakers, awesome worship and a global focus to empower women to live Jesus daily.  To share Him with those that do not know him in our homes, cities, states, countries and around the globe.  There are over 1,500 IF:Locals around the world and growing every year.  Here is the link to sign up: IF:Local.  If there is not a gathering near you I believe you can sign up as an individual and watch from your house (pj's optional).    Afterwards I usually go online to watch the sessions again.  If I have seen a really good speaker I will often watch it again so I can make sure I have everything written down.  Can you tell I'm a note taker?  I know your shocked:)

When this event is over they have IF:Table where you can get together with a few women once a month, they have Bible studies, a shop (just in case you like to shop or something).

If you are feeling like you need some motivation, inspiration, focus and just some serious Jesus love please attend or watch this incredible event.  I'll probably update my thoughts after this event is over because I am a note taker!

https://ifgathering.com/thegathering2017/

2017 Plans or the Lack of Plans

Well looks like I am not doing a Bible study online this year or at least not anytime soon.  I'm feeling a big NO.  I do plan on posting more, I know I'm not constant.  I need to finish Nahum, yes still on that book.  The page views last year went from around 18,000 to nearly 600,000.  I keep thinking there is a computer somewhere that keeps clicking my posts instead of real people.  I did ask God to bring people to my blog, but the numbers have been more than I could dream.  That's God, He does way more than we could ever imagine.

Hope that I post more and hope that you will continue to visit my corner of the web.  I am glad you did.  May God do big things in all of our lives, more than we could ever comprehend.

Red Army Choir (Alexandrov Military Ensemble) Plane Crash

I just heard about the plane crash yesterday that was carrying the Red Army Choir.  They were going to Syria to entertain the troops (they are like our USO) and after refueling the plane crashed with no survivors, 91 people lost their lives.  On board were singers, dancers, musicians, reporters and military personnel.  It is sad that their voices have been silenced and the joy they bring to so many has been extinguished.  Such a devastating blow to their families near Christmas (I read that Jan. 7th is when Russia celebrates Christmas, but I'm not sure if some in Russia start celebrating early).  It seems like one of the singers, Roman Valutov, could not get on the plane due to an expired passport.  If this is true (can't find much about this story) then that would be a wonderful thing.

My heart goes out to anyone suffering loss.  In grief - the location, religion, beliefs, customs or leaders I don't agree with do not matter.  Grief is a universal emotion and we all feel it.  Russia I am praying for you, praying for those who have lost loved ones.  This time of year always seems to be more difficult when suffering loss.  Many of the visitors here are from Russia (2nd highest country to visit).  I hope you will join me and pray for those missing their loved ones and the entire country of Russia during this tragic time.  May God give you peace and comfort during this time.

Compassion International - Please Act to Help Children in India

We sponsor a child in Bolivia through Compassion International.  This is a wonderful organization that helps not only the child, but their family as well.  I highly recommend sponsoring a child through Compassion International.  It would be wonderful if every child in need around the world was sponsored.

The government of India has blocked funding for nine months that was suppose to go to the children who are in the Compassion program.  Whether you sponsor a child or not I pray you all will click on the link below and sign the letter which will go to your representative in Congress.  If you are in a country outside of the United States, please contact Compassion directly here to see if you can help.  Please pass this link along to others.  The more attention this gets the more our government will know we care and hopefully convince the government of India to change their minds.

If something doesn't change quickly then 130,000 children will no longer be able to continue to get the help they need.  There was no reason given for the change from the government, but when a country chooses to turn it's back on their own children then the devil is there to devour souls.  He does not want them to feel special or loved.  He knows that if given the chance to strike early in a child's life sometimes that is all that is needed to keep them away from God.  I have never understood when a country receives aid for children from another country why they would block the ability to help their own people.  Pride, religious differences or just indifference in general, no matter what the reason it is no excuse to let your poorest people suffer while the leaders live lavish lives.

They are blocking food, water, healthcare and education for the poorest children in their country.

Please click here to help the children in India.  Thank you

Throwing Stones Blind

There are all kinds of Christian blogs out there.  Which can be good and bad.  I have recently read some crazy blogs that just seem to bash on other Christians.  I'm not here to bash on the bashers, but I believe I can speak truth through the hate.

When we sink our teeth into someone we sure do feel knowledgeable and mighty.

I understand that there are false teachers out there and we should hold them accountable when they go off the narrow path.  With this blog I am aware I have an obligation to not misrepresent the Bible.  If I have an opinion I try to say so, but not to confuse it with scripture.  This is why I write out all the scriptures at the top so we can see what the Bible says.  The rest is what I think or quotes from others and helps me understand.  I have no intention of leading anyone away from God.  I will be held accountable by God for what I say.

When I see so much hate towards someone I always look back at the person saying it and wonder why they are thinking that.  These blogs decided to pick on one person although looking at other topics on their blog they seem to be the "Christian Judge" out there making sure that nothing slips through the cracks.  This almost always sends up red flags for me.  The hate, judgement and condemnation are so targeted as to leave no doubt how they feel.

God did not call us to judge others.  We can call out sin, hate, evil, indifference, injustice, abuse; but not people.  I believe if someone is saying things that are against God's word then that is different.  There are many examples of beliefs that run against the Bible; there is always someone who says they know when the world will end, some think there is no hell, some thing Jesus is not God's son, etc.

In my last Bible study there was a girl who said she did not believe in anything that has to do with visions or experiences that are from the spirit realm.  I think most people that say that have never experienced anything like that so they just assume that there is nothing out there like it.  I think both women would think I was a loon hearing some of the things I have seen or felt.  Everything I have seen has made me more in awe of God.  Anything I have seen is not because I'm such a religious person, it's actually because I have been just as stubborn as the Israelite's in the Bible.  I'm also a visual learner so He uses that sometimes.  I will eventually share some of that on here.

If someone is trying to follow God and live for Him and they say something that isn't etched in stone then some will vilify them.  This is sad to see.  I think the core of the issue is pride and/or jealously.  Pride can blind us and jealously can corrupt the soul.  

This example is of someone who thinks that God can only speak to you through prayer and the Bible.  He can speak through anything; dreams, situations, people, in our heads, soul, prayer, scripture and beyond.  This person said the teacher was false because they said God spoke to them.  This right there puts up a wall trying to filter people who are not up to their standards, but it also can keep God out with a lack of wisdom.  I don't always respond to blogs, but this one I did.  Here is my response:

If you are throwing stones at others then please check yourself to make sure you have no sin.  After reading this post I think that you have never had an experience with God besides prayer and reading the Bible.  Which is OK, except when you use it to dismantle someone else.  Anytime anyone says they have seen or heard something that is not "normal" then you should look if what they are saying brings glory to God.  If not then it's self, but what if you are so busy judging others that you miss what God is trying to show you through that experience?  I wonder if you think God is different that the God of the Bible?  He has not changed.  I think He may not always do those big signs, but often we are not paying attention when He does.  He has many ways to speak to use not just in prayer or through reading the Bible.  All you have to do is look at how He interacted with His people.  It's funny how people try to limit Him and put Him in this neat little box while explaining others away.  I hope you will do a heart check because when we push ourselves up we end up pushing others down.

Those who throw stones blind only end up hitting themselves.

Post Election View

I was sad to see the outcome of the election.  This has been a complicated election and hopefully there will never be anything like this in the future.  There is such hate on both sides.  I have seen pictures from schools that kids are writing white power and other hate messages in the bathrooms.  There are protesters who have signs that say "Trump is not my president."  This is really showing that as a nation we really haven't grown much due to this kind of thinking.  It always seems that when someone in power chooses to share their hate that brings people out of the woodwork and they are not afraid to share these thoughts with the world.  

I do not think that everyone who voted for Trump agrees with his hateful thoughts.  We have a short memory and think that since a party is in office for four or eight years that we then need the other party to fix America (neither side seems to do much of anything for the people).  I really hope that Trump does change things in Washington, but if he doesn't then I'm still turning to God either way.

 We Christians are called to pray for our leaders.  1 Timothy 2 says that we are suppose to pray for our leaders so we will live in peace, this pleases God.  God gave us the Ten Commandments, but everything else He said is a command.  He doesn't offer suggestions timidly, He is I AM and does not ask things from us that we are incapable of doing.  We are expected to follow His commands whether we want to or not.  I believe we have the right to our opinions and can disagree with a leaders policy, but we are not to bash on them.  I can't believe how many Christians I know that have bashed on Obama these last eight years feeding right into the fear machine.  Our media doesn't help, leading sheep to the slaughter by using fear.  I think that in some cases there must be some prejudice underlining those comments since they were the worst comments that I have ever hear of any president.  But no one would admit that.  Hiding behind a political party to spread hate is no excuse.  We are called to a higher standard no matter what party is in office.  OK, I have let my Facebook friends know how I feel about Trump because I don't agree with the hate that he so causally spreads.  When he takes office I am called to pray for him and our country so are you.  God knew Trump was going to be president before we even were a country.  He has got this, that I am sure of.  God is calling us to turn to Him instead of another leader.  God is the only one who can take care of this country and He keeps showing us that by the leaders that we have, but we are too busy focusing on what the other party has done wrong to see the real issue.

This is going to be a big test for a lot of Christians besides me over the next four years.  I hope you will join me in giving this all to God.  I assure you that when this happens, I mean giving 100% to Him, you will be peaceful facing the unknown.  This my friend is not a drill, this really is the unknown.  Maybe we need a support group for this sort of thing!

I am now stepping down from my soap box.

If Christians would stand up for God then who knows what would happen in the world.

US Vote 2016

I hope you will go out and vote today if you haven't already voted.  Thankfully Tennessee had early voting so I got to vote a couple of weeks ago with no lines.  I hope the polls will stay open as long as there are voters in line.  Hopefully in the future all states will have early voting, it is crazy that some don't have this option.  We are four years away from one hundred years since women got the right to vote in America.  It is a privilege and a right that we have.  Women were arrested and beaten, Emily Davison in England died for this cause just so we could cast our opinion in the world of politics. 

I know this election is unlike any ever and it is historic.  Either a woman will win for the first time or a business man who has never held a political office will win.  Many women I know didn't want to vote for either and everyone has the write in option. 

I hope this election will start a conversation of what is acceptable and unacceptable to say while running for president.  Both sides have said things that they should not have, but Trump definitely was worse. 

Women are judged differently, I think even more so by other women.  If Clinton was a man this would be different.  I have seen so many women defend Trump, I guess it's because they are a die hard Rep.  The women who came forward to accuse Trump are vilified, by other women.  Yet if that happened to their daughters (more than likely at some time in their lives it will happen) they would be furious.

I think in one hundred years this election may be remembered differently than how we see it today.  I think God is trying to get the attention of Christians.  With this election and the last election I think He has put before us two Saul type of nominees.  Remember the Israelites wanted a king in 1 Samuel 8:7 and God said "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king."  We should not look at leaders to fix everything, we should look to God.

Brace yourself this may rock your world - God is not a Republican.  If you look at the platforms for both parties they both fall short of the Bible.  I know Christians usually vote Republican and I'm not saying to change parties, but if both parties fall short of the core of Christianity then who should we vote for?  I don't know, but I believe God is trying to get our attention and putting Romney a Mormon 2012 and Trump 2016 as the nominees has been very frustrating for many Christians I know. 

I do know that some people in our country have gone crazy or maybe they were always this way, but because Trump has spoken freely about such hatred they are going off the deep end.  That behavior should not be American in an way.  Although I know our history is steeped in that way of thinking.  We should be civil to each other even if we have different views. 

Personally I voted for Clinton.  I am not a charity or church so I can freely say that.  Why?  Look I'm not happy with the Dem platform, but neither am I happy about the Rep platform.  I voted for the person who I thought would be the best fit for our country and could do the job.  I couldn't fathom voting for someone who seems to have such hate for women, blacks, Latino, war hero's and the disabled.  Did I miss any group?  Not to mention, no experience in politics.  If you are a Clinton hater that is OK, I'm not happy with some of her decisions either.  She is in the spotlight so it's easier to see her faults while we keep ours all to our selves and judge from afar.  No one is perfect, except Jesus!  My kids especially my daughter will take it for granted that a woman could get the nomination and possible the presidency.  So many other countries have already had women leaders.  It seems like no one is talking about the possible first woman president, which seems strange to me.  We are independents and until a party follows the Bible I think we will stay that way. 

God knows every single leader we will ever have in ALL countries and in Daniel 2:22 He says that He rises up and disposes leaders.  He knows what He is doing, even if it looks like chaos to us.

Question For You - Women's Bible Study 2017

I was thinking about starting an online women's Bible study next year.  I am not sure of the study or when, but wanted to see if there was anyone interested.  I'm not sure of the format either.  I am starting to check on different platforms I could use.

I know you are probably very excited since I have no details for you! ha ha

This would be for women who:

• don't go to church
• may not even believe in God
• have been hurt by someone in the church or their family who say they are Christian
• seasoned church ladies
• can't find time to go to a local study
• are in the middle of nowhere/have no study near them
• have young kids at home and don't dare venture outside the house (I've been there)
• who just want to stay in their PJ's at home (no judgment here!)
• think God does not love them because of what they did in their past (He love you so much!)

If there is only one of you besides me then I call that a group!  Every year I do a study with women at church and even though I meet some new people it is mostly people I already know.  How fun would it be to be in a group with women from all over the US, France, India, Russia, etc?  I know time zones would be an issue for "live" chats, but maybe I can set up something so everyone can visit when they had time.

Bible study can be a great way for seeing a point of view that we have never thought of.  Some people choose not to share in a group in case they have been hurt, but online there shouldn't be anything stopping us from sharing how we feel and what we think.  I would like to have a "place" we could go to chat and discuss the Bible.  It would be a positive place so no room for bashing on others.

I am praying about this so I will see if God wants me to do this.  I know I have not been consistent on here and I need to do a better job.  Maybe this is something to keep me in line:)

Sitting down with my Bible, a cup of coffee and having a meeting online with some sisters in Christ sounds good to me.  How about you?  

If you think you may be interested email me at: beautyforashes88@outlook.com (blog email) and let me know if there is a topic that you want to know more about.  If enough people bring up the same subject then that may be what the focus will be on.  Thank you for your time.

Throwing Stones - Ryan Lochte on DWTS

It's sad that some men rushed over to Ryan Lochte on Dancing With The Stars last night, not sure if they wanted to hurt him or just protest.  He messed up, apologized, got banned from swimming for 10 months and lost sponsors.

No one is perfect and we all mess up, the only difference is our mistakes are not on international TV for the world to judge.  People are so harsh towards forgiving others.  So apparently these men have never sinned before because they felt justified to judge Lochte, insert sarcasm.

John 8:7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone." I left out the "at her" part since this applies to men here.  When we look to judge another all it should take to humble us is to look at any number of mistakes we have made and this should stop us in our tracks.

Blog update June 2016 - WOW!

A few months ago I was happy to see that my page views were up to 25,000, it's not a vain thing because I know this is ALL from God.  I have prayed that He would bring people here so when I see the stats I pray for you.  Who doesn't want prayer?  I don't get much feedback so I felt like if I got a few people stopping by then that would be a great thing.  Seriously, 10 to 40 page views in a week and I thought that was amazing.

I had no illusions that I would have a blog that went viral, this came from a place of love.  I was perfectly happy to have the fewest numbers possible for a blog and still feel like I was doing good for God.  Even if I helped one person besides myself then that would be success.  I just want others to see what I see in our amazing God.  Since starting in December 2012 it has started off slowly and it has been fun to see the numbers and the countries that stop by.  I started this blog for a place to share my thoughts on the Bible, poems, quotes, songs, to organize my notes and since I will not show you a pic of my insane note paper pile, you will just have to trust me that this is a much better way to work!  Since my concussion at the end of 2013 I haven't been posting as much so it was a great surprise to see the number shoot up to 60,000 page views a couple of weeks ago and today it's over 102,000.  I'm not sure what is going on, if there is one person who is telling everyone they know or if this is just starting to spreading all over.  No matter the reason I am thankful to God that He sees a bigger picture than I ever can.

I hope that you enjoy your time here.  There are millions of places you can go during your day and endless things to look up so thank you for stopping by.  This blog has helped me countless times and I'm amazed by what God shows me while typing a post.  This is all Him and I am thankful that He uses a way less than perfect vessel to share.

Most of the time I hope to be inspiring, but there will be times when something I say will make you mad or defensive, that goes for me too.  I write stuff sometimes that is convicting to me so don't feel like you are alone or that I'm just talking to you.  We can not only look at the good parts of the Bible, we must look at all the parts even if it confronts things we don't want to see or hear.  If we only pull out the things we like then we will be forever incomplete, never gaining wisdom.

Beth Moore says there are rib issues and spine issues.  Rib issues are different denominations, when to baptize, belief of the timeline in the book of Revelation, etc.  Spine issues are the defining beliefs: virgin birth of God's son, salvation, Jesus died and was risen from the dead and that God will wrap all this up someday with a Jesus victory.  So THE truth.  Maybe we will not agree on the rib issues and that is OK, discussion is good for understanding and growth.  I am wrong on this journey sometimes, but choose to continue to learn.  I often do not agree with mainstream Christianity on certain rib or spine issues and that is fine, I want to be on the narrow path anyway.  I am not a scholar and my only qualification to have a Christian blog is that I'm learning to live through the weakness because of His strength.

Spine issues are another story.  Some religions present themselves as Christian yet have their own "bibles" or beliefs that they follow which depart from God's word, PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR THOSE WOLVES!  The devil knows the Bible and has created many false religions to try to replace God's word.  If it aligns with God's word then it's Christian, if not then I'm not sure what to call that, but it ain't Christian.  (Not looking to start a fight, just clarifying my position.  I am a redhead so also naturally stubborn).

I won't budge on spine issues, but I think that sometimes we lump rib issues into this category.  Baptism for example, some believe only at birth while others believe it only counts when you make the decision yourself when you are older.  If you got baptized as a baby and also when you were older then maybe your covered twice, this is not an issue to spend time on or fight about.  This issue among others has broken up churches and groups of people and the devil has had a field day when this happens so let's not make him happy OK?

I am now stepping down from the soapbox:)

Thank you for your time and have a blessed day and above all else know that God loves you, yes I am talking to YOU.  He takes you just the way you are so that when He works a masterpiece inside of you everyone sees His work, you are beautiful in His eyes.  

Hope in Easter

I hope you all had a good Easter with loved ones.  My kids asked me why it's called Good Friday when Jesus died and that was sad.  I told them that it was because God made a way for everyone to be in His family.  His sacrifice was for all people.  It didn't seem like it was good until Jesus had risen.  I think we often forget what this all means and the focus gets put on a bunny hiding eggs with chocolate inside, but there is so much more to it.

This afternoon I read that dozens of Christians mostly women and children were killed by terrorist in Pakistan at a park.  They were Christians who gathered for the Easter holiday.  Also with the news of what happened in Belgium.  There is such evil in this world, yet it is not new.  Satan has been at work for centuries trying to separate us from God.  Every generation the faces change, but the goal is the same - permanent separation and eternal condemnation.  This is when we are to have strong faith, these families have going through such loss.  I hope you will join me in praying daily for our brothers and sisters around the world.  We think it's tough to be a Christian in America or some other countries around the world.  Many of us will never know what it's like to live daily with the thought that terrorism is not an idea, it's a reality.  With all the attacks on people lately it is easy to get down and feel hopeless yet what is beyond this world is pure and beautiful.

Heaven will have no tears or pain, how amazing is that!  Have faith my friend because Love wins, God is watching all the wrong done to His people and He has the final say.  We won't understand His timing.  We just need to have faith that His timing is coming just like the Son.  I am thankful that God made the sacrifice of being separated from His son that I can join His family for eternity.  Jesus is sitting next to the Father and when He returns all will see.

There is hope in the Resurrection even in the darkest of days.

United Together

I trimmed a bouquet of flowers and decided to put them into a smaller vase.  OK, don't bash on my mad flower arrangement skills:)  When I started to put the flowers in the vase they kept falling out.  The vase is short and wide so there was nothing for the flowers to hold on to, but when I put enough flowers and greenery in they started to stay put.  The flowers could not stand on their own, but found support in the other flowers that surrounded them.  I look for lessons in everyday life that I can use so I can understand and learn more about God.  I think we often do not see some of the simple things He is trying to teach us.  God does not intend for us to do life alone.  After the IF:Gathering this past weekend this was a fitting example of community.  Many are often afraid to ask for help or to reach out.  We are called to be a light for those who do not believe, but also for our sisters during the dark times.  To help each other is a blessing because sometimes we are on the needy end and other times we help those in need.  This is a beautiful way to show God's love.

IF:Gathering 2016 Livestream

In case you were not able to watch the IF:Gathering 2016 this weekend there is still time to watch.  Here is the link to watch the four sessions.  http://livestream.com/ifgathering  You will have until this Monday night at midnight to watch for free.  The leaders were some of the best from around the world and it will be just about the best use of your time for the entire year.  So please watch the sessions and if you are feeling God moving you then go to where He is calling you.  The world has not seen yet what women can do if we unite together locally and globally to do God's work without us getting in our own way and being over run by fear.  Ladies we can be one of the most powerful forces on the planet.  I will be watching again this weekend because the amount of information is overwhelming.  Hope you will enjoy, grow, be challenged and take action.

IF:Gathering 2016 Women's Event

I wanted to let you ladies know about an event that will be taking place around the world on Feb. 5th & 6th.  This is the third year for the IF:Gathering event out of Austin, Texas.  I am on the planning team that will be showing this simulcast at one of the local churches in my town.  There are local simulcasts in churches and homes around the world.  Here is the link to try to find a gathering near you IF:Local (if you unclick the private tab then it should show the map).  If you can't find a local event then I believe you have a couple of days to watch online, but grab some friends to watch with you.  After watching this last year I am glad to help put this on for the women in my community.  The speakers are powerful and the worship music is really good.  Last year a very powerful part was a discussion on race and how we should get to know other women from other races, we all should be a support system for each other.  I believe this is vital because the enemy wants to keep us apart and this is a sore issue in America and probably around the world.  This event is a time to gather with other women and grow into who God is calling us to be so we can go out into the world for Him.  I hope you will be able to see this amazing event and be changed for the better.

Concussion Update

It has been over two years since I got a concussion, it seems like it has only been a couple of months.  The neurologist said that I should have no problem getting back to normal, but I'm not sure that I will ever be exactly the same as before my concussion.  So far it isn't anything big, just small things that are annoying.  I will be writing and I will add another letter or change a letter to a word so I erase a lot or I will ask a question that I asked a little while ago and not remember asking the first time, sorry to my family:)  The biggest thing that I have noticed is that time is different.  I'm not sure if I can explain exactly, but I will try.  Some days time will pass and I believe it has only been a short period of time and it has been hours or vice versa.  Time has become something else ever so slightly different than before, but it is different.  It is almost tangible.  I know that probably sounds weird, but that's all I got.  So nothing major, just annoying things.  I do feel like if I don't do something then it may get worse.  I need to write more often and I should read more than watch TV, paint, use my left hand more than my right.  Those are all good for my brain so I need to make that a priority this coming year.  I know this is nothing compared to what some people I know are going through right now (miscarriage, brain cancer, little child in wheelchair with a ventilator no knowing if she will be her old self again, marriages falling apart).  So forgive me if my spelling is wrong or if my sentences do not make any sense.  Give grace and it will be given to you.

Whatever each one of us has to live with or go through, God is enough, even if we do not understand the reason.

Cruelty One Word at a Time

I saw this quote on the Dr. OZ show.

"Why do people give birth to autistic kids?  Waste of society's resources."

Someone wrote this about families with autism however this is relevant to anyone who has family or friends with special needs.  Many of you might know that my brother that died a couple of years ago had Down Syndrome.  Something happened several years back that seemed to open a door for bullying online.  It is a disease that is spreading and I think will only get worse.  I can come up with many words to describe these people, but the two that I think are at the core are sadness and anger.  Hurting people hurt others.  There are countries that people still give up their children due to the fact that they are disabled or look different.  I pray that people will see how precious all babies are even when they don't look like them.

How easy it is to type word after word of hate and judgement across the web that always seems to find its target and inflict the most damage.  I am not surprised by what I see because after years of the chaos nothing seems new, but some moments I am taken back by the evil in others and I am brought to tears (crying right now).  These words are uneducated, cruel, sad and pathetic.  I feel sorry for those who tear others apart just to make themselves feel better (bullies focus on others so they don't have to focus on themselves).

Proverbs 18:21a "The tongue has the power of life and death."

I do not know this person, but this is what I see when I read hate.  I see someone who is ignorant of God, which itself is it's own torture.  I see sadness, hatred, anger, and a lack of compassion.  Our language is a series of words, but when strung together in certain order they can land a devastating blow to the soul.  

If you have ever been bullied (yes I have too) then I hope that you will pay it forward and show kindness.   Bullying others does not heal the child inside that was bullied or broken long ago.  Love is the antidote to hate.  If you see others being bullied then take a stand and reach out and speak love because that is probably the moment in their life that they need a hero the most.  

John 9:1-3 "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'  'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'"  I believe the fact that this man was born blind is showing us that being born different or having a disability is not bad or wrong.  This goes for all those who become disabled after birth, God's light can shine through every person.  Show love to those who are hurting and pray that they can know the perfect love of God.  Small minds think small thoughts.

This feels urgent to do now.  I usually type and come back to it another day to finish up, but this I feel needs to go out now.  Maybe someone needs love and support right this very minute and to know they are not alone in this world.  I usually don't ask, but I hope that you will share this with anyone you think would like a moment of kindness, don't hesitate.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to all you wonderful moms out there.  If you are not a mom then don't think this day excludes you.  If you are an aunt, cousin, neighbor then you can be a mother to others.  Being a mother is kindness and love to the lost, wounded, hurt, lonely and the forgotten.  Mother Teresa did not have any children yet the word mother is always in front of her name.  She helped the forgotten, she did not do it for fame or wealth.  She did it for God.  Do not be confined by the definition of what a mother is.  If we do our best and show God's love to others then we are doing exactly what a mother represents.  Love and sacrifice for another.

"Do ordinary things with extraordinary love."

~ Mother Teresa

Easter - The Good News

Mary Magdalene (among other women and some disciples) made their way to the tomb with the spices.  Women took care of preparing the bodies for their eternal rest.  When they got there the stone had been rolled away and Jesus' body was gone.  The guards were placed at the tomb to make sure that no one took the body were in a sleep like state.  This must have been confusing to Mary and the others.  The disciples ran back home, but Mary stayed behind (not sure if the other women left as well).  Mary must have been so overtaken with grief that when the two angels asked her why she was crying, her answer was "They have taken my Lord away and I don't know where they have put him." As if she didn't skip a beat seeing angels.  Then Jesus asked "Why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?"  Mary thinking that Jesus was the gardener asked Him where the body was.  This was a women in despair, she didn't even realize that this was Jesus in front of her.

Then Jesus spoke one word, Mary, then she knew that Jesus was alive and right in front of her.  Jesus said an interesting thing to Mary, he said "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father.  Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"  Jesus said to not hold on to him for he had not yet returned to the Father.  His mission was not over just yet.  Mary was to go tell the disciples and when she got there they did not believe her.  The very first person to spread the Good News was a woman, this is an amazing fact that often gets overlooked.  She told the disciples, the men who had seen the miracles that Jesus had performed over the last few years, yet they still did not believe.

If you tell others about Jesus then there will be many who do not listen, but that should not stop any of us from sharing His story.  It is part of our job as Christians to tell about Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit and what He has done in our lives.

Hope you all have a blessed day and a happy Easter!

My Media Fast

I am leading the 7 Experiment bible study by Jen Hatmaker.  This week is Media so that means I won't be online that much, only to blog (this is my ministry), pay bills, etc.  No fun window shopping or anything like that.  Loving this bible study and will talk about it later.  The entire point of the study is to let go of the stuff in our lives to get closer to Jesus.  One of the better studies that I have ever done.