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.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Quote - Arguments
"You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to."
~ unknown
I saw this on a sign online and thought it was a good one to post. Some of us get our backs against the wall when an argument is anywhere near us. We will be better off not getting involved especially when it is something that we can't do anything about or someone has their heels dug in and we will not change their minds on a subject.
So let us all reply "no thank you" to about 99% of argument's we are invited to and the 1% that have value and we are passionate about then proceed with kindness and caution.
~ unknown
I saw this on a sign online and thought it was a good one to post. Some of us get our backs against the wall when an argument is anywhere near us. We will be better off not getting involved especially when it is something that we can't do anything about or someone has their heels dug in and we will not change their minds on a subject.
So let us all reply "no thank you" to about 99% of argument's we are invited to and the 1% that have value and we are passionate about then proceed with kindness and caution.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Quote - Buscaglia
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
~Buscaglia
Many people think that they do not have any gifts or are jealous when they see what gifts other people have. We are all unique, that is not by accident. I wonder how many people have wasted away their lives never once using the gifts that were meant for them. I wonder what has been unseen in this world due to our lack of faith in the abilities given to us by God. I procrastinate like many people and it is something that I have to fight against. I have been painting this week, but writing is something that I have not done much lately and I really need to focus and set aside time to work on it.
Are you using your gifts wisely? Are you too busy being jealous of the gifts others have that you don't see what yours are? What are you waiting for?
Are you using your gifts wisely? Are you too busy being jealous of the gifts others have that you don't see what yours are? What are you waiting for?
Sunday, May 10, 2015
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
"Do ordinary things with extraordinary love."
~ Mother Teresa
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Quote - Dr. Seuss
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."
~ Dr. Seuss
I have a great love of Dr. Seuss quotes. This man was such an amazing writer that he created strange worlds that helped us deal with the strangeness in our own world. We often go about our days and dismiss something small and what we think of as minuscule, but if we really pay attention we can see such beauty in each small thing. When you read the Bible there are such descriptive words and vast details that we skim over for the really big things. Yet God took the time to give us those details so the little things mean something to Him. I pray we will all see the seemingly insignificant things in life and take a moment to pay attention to them. All of those little moments are what make up a life, not just the large exciting ones. It's the moments in between the big ones that make us, shapes us and propels us to be a better person.
~ Dr. Seuss
I have a great love of Dr. Seuss quotes. This man was such an amazing writer that he created strange worlds that helped us deal with the strangeness in our own world. We often go about our days and dismiss something small and what we think of as minuscule, but if we really pay attention we can see such beauty in each small thing. When you read the Bible there are such descriptive words and vast details that we skim over for the really big things. Yet God took the time to give us those details so the little things mean something to Him. I pray we will all see the seemingly insignificant things in life and take a moment to pay attention to them. All of those little moments are what make up a life, not just the large exciting ones. It's the moments in between the big ones that make us, shapes us and propels us to be a better person.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Nahum 2:1-7
v. 1-7 "An attacker advances against you, Nineveh.
Guard the fortress,
watch the road,
brace yourselves,
marshal all your strength!
The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob
like the splendor of Israel,
though destroyers have laid them waste
and have ruined their vines.
The shields of his soldiers are red;
the warriors are clad in scarlet.
The metal on the chariots flashes
on the day they are made ready;
the spears of pine are brandished.
The chariots storm through the streets,
rushing back and forth through the squares.
They look like flaming torches;
they dart about like lightning.
He summons his picked troops,
yet they stumble on their way.
They dash to the city wall;
the protective shield is put in place.
The river gates are thrown open
and the palace collapses.
It is decreed that the city
be exiled and carried away.
Its slave girls moan like doves
and beat upon their breasts."
It seems like God is taunting Nineveh in verse 1. I think God's anger was so great against these people that He did not hold back and this would have struck the pride of the king of Nineveh. They must have thought they were invincible. As if they could have done anything to stop God's will.
This references the destruction of Nineveh later in 612 BC. The Babylonians and Medes destroyed Nineveh. There seems to be some new information from an Oxford University researcher that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were actually in Nineveh, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This was a highly sophisticated city with the ability to create gardens that were possibly up in the air on columns or on terraces with aqueducts bringing water up from the rivers. There is even writing that King Sennacherib had used a bronze water raising screw to irrigate the gardens. This screw is similar to Archimedes' Screw, which was "invented" by Archimedes four hundred years later! Sorry, I am very fascinated with ancient technology and do get sidetracked occasionally.
Every time they invaded other countries they acquired more treasure. With what seemed like unlimited funds the kings build massive palaces, created a well fortified city and an impressive military. Even with all their success they did not have favor with God and time was running out for the people of Nineveh.
In 722 BC Nineveh had taken the northern kingdom (Israel) and forced the southern kingdom (Judah) to pay tribute. In verse 2 God says that he will restore Jacob, restore His people. When we feel like we are at the end, that nothing could ever restore us, we can be restored by God alone. He is our comforter, He can pick up the pieces of our lives and restore us to the point of seeming to have not fallen in the first place. No matter what we do, God can heal our hearts, minds and souls. This can only happen IF we let Him, IF we invite Him into our lives.
In v. 3 it mentions red and scarlet, these colors represent war, bloodshed, sacrifice, all throughout the Bible we see those colors weaved into the fabric of the pages. I believe the enemy was coming for destruction, even more than for a conquest. Just like our enemy tries to destroy us. Nineveh had earlier attacked Babylon. Babylon might have been tired of Nineveh trying to take over their territory.
The higher we get the harder the fall to the ground when we are humbled.
Guard the fortress,
watch the road,
brace yourselves,
marshal all your strength!
The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob
like the splendor of Israel,
though destroyers have laid them waste
and have ruined their vines.
The shields of his soldiers are red;
the warriors are clad in scarlet.
The metal on the chariots flashes
on the day they are made ready;
the spears of pine are brandished.
The chariots storm through the streets,
rushing back and forth through the squares.
They look like flaming torches;
they dart about like lightning.
He summons his picked troops,
yet they stumble on their way.
They dash to the city wall;
the protective shield is put in place.
The river gates are thrown open
and the palace collapses.
It is decreed that the city
be exiled and carried away.
Its slave girls moan like doves
and beat upon their breasts."
It seems like God is taunting Nineveh in verse 1. I think God's anger was so great against these people that He did not hold back and this would have struck the pride of the king of Nineveh. They must have thought they were invincible. As if they could have done anything to stop God's will.
This references the destruction of Nineveh later in 612 BC. The Babylonians and Medes destroyed Nineveh. There seems to be some new information from an Oxford University researcher that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were actually in Nineveh, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This was a highly sophisticated city with the ability to create gardens that were possibly up in the air on columns or on terraces with aqueducts bringing water up from the rivers. There is even writing that King Sennacherib had used a bronze water raising screw to irrigate the gardens. This screw is similar to Archimedes' Screw, which was "invented" by Archimedes four hundred years later! Sorry, I am very fascinated with ancient technology and do get sidetracked occasionally.
Every time they invaded other countries they acquired more treasure. With what seemed like unlimited funds the kings build massive palaces, created a well fortified city and an impressive military. Even with all their success they did not have favor with God and time was running out for the people of Nineveh.
In 722 BC Nineveh had taken the northern kingdom (Israel) and forced the southern kingdom (Judah) to pay tribute. In verse 2 God says that he will restore Jacob, restore His people. When we feel like we are at the end, that nothing could ever restore us, we can be restored by God alone. He is our comforter, He can pick up the pieces of our lives and restore us to the point of seeming to have not fallen in the first place. No matter what we do, God can heal our hearts, minds and souls. This can only happen IF we let Him, IF we invite Him into our lives.
In v. 3 it mentions red and scarlet, these colors represent war, bloodshed, sacrifice, all throughout the Bible we see those colors weaved into the fabric of the pages. I believe the enemy was coming for destruction, even more than for a conquest. Just like our enemy tries to destroy us. Nineveh had earlier attacked Babylon. Babylon might have been tired of Nineveh trying to take over their territory.
The higher we get the harder the fall to the ground when we are humbled.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Quote - Injustice
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Beautiful quote and sadly true. We think that when things happen across the world that it's too far away and shouldn't affect our everyday life. There is a danger to think that injustice is someone else's problem because we are one people on one planet and if there is injustice in the world then that makes it OUR problem. There have been too many terrible leaders and groups who have spread evil and many quietly watched either in fear or disbelief. We are to stand up for those who can not stand under the oppressive hand of a dictator. If you are thinking I'm just one person and I can't do much then you are under the impression that your voice doesn't matter. Whatever pulls at your heart, that is your mission field. Whether you donate your time or money or both, every moment spent helping others is an act of defiance against the enemy and shows allegiance to God.
Be bold for the forgotten, the weak, the orphans and the outcasts.
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Beautiful quote and sadly true. We think that when things happen across the world that it's too far away and shouldn't affect our everyday life. There is a danger to think that injustice is someone else's problem because we are one people on one planet and if there is injustice in the world then that makes it OUR problem. There have been too many terrible leaders and groups who have spread evil and many quietly watched either in fear or disbelief. We are to stand up for those who can not stand under the oppressive hand of a dictator. If you are thinking I'm just one person and I can't do much then you are under the impression that your voice doesn't matter. Whatever pulls at your heart, that is your mission field. Whether you donate your time or money or both, every moment spent helping others is an act of defiance against the enemy and shows allegiance to God.
Be bold for the forgotten, the weak, the orphans and the outcasts.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
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!
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!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Nahum 1:12-15
v. 12-15 "This is what the Lord says:
Although they have allies and are numerous,
they will be cut off and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, O Judah,
I will afflict you no more.
Now I will break their yoke from your neck
and tear your shackles away.
The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the carved images and cast idols
that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
for you are vile.
Look, there on the mountains,
the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, O Judah,
and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
they will be completely destroyed."
Depending what side of the fence you are on will determine how you see God. If you are following His decrees then you are under His protection, grace will abound and you see a loving God. If you are consumed by anger, hatred and unforgiveness then you will see a mean God. We have a choice to make, a decision that will determine our destiny. This message was to give hope to Judah who had been under attack from Nineveh.
God begins this section with the observation that the enemy has many on their side and sounds invincible, but they will still be cut down. God does not do this to brag about His powers. This is for for our benefit. When we see the odds are overwhelmingly against us then we have to remember that God is more, He is greater than anything else.
Here is says that God afflicted Judah. He didn't ignore them or walk away from them. God took action against people who walked away from Him. To be afflicted means: to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously, to overthrown, defeat or humble. Why did God afflict Judah? After Solomon died the kingdom was split into two different lands. The northern kingdom was Israel and the southern kingdom was Judah. Does anyone else know what happens when a land splits up? Your power, military, wealth, etc. is weakened by the division. You are prone to attacks from other countries. Many of the kings of both lands (Israel and Judah) were evil and corrupt and some killed the prior king to gain power. Is anyone wondering why God would let His people be captured when they kept turning away from Him?
God broke the yoke from the people. A yoke was a device for joining two animals together to control them so that a farmer could plow a field. Yoke also means something that binds together, a bond or a tie. A weight is lifted from their spirit, soul and maybe a physically feeling of being set free.
The thought of God preparing graves is one of those verses that just stick out to me. I don't think this is one of those scriptures that is hard to decipher. God was not messing around here, He meant business. Wow.
God made those nameless that had in turn made their captives destroy the bones of their ancestors which took away their history and family names. God knows justice.
We see that it is not all bad news, for the people of Judah they are to celebrate their festivals again, but they are also suppose to fulfill their vows. We can not just celebrate and have a party when we become a Christian. When we come to the Father we have to repent for our sins. While they were captives they could not celebrate or pursue their religion. When God sets us free we are to celebrate Him, celebrate life and honor God in all that we do.
Although they have allies and are numerous,
they will be cut off and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, O Judah,
I will afflict you no more.
Now I will break their yoke from your neck
and tear your shackles away.
The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the carved images and cast idols
that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
for you are vile.
Look, there on the mountains,
the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, O Judah,
and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
they will be completely destroyed."
Depending what side of the fence you are on will determine how you see God. If you are following His decrees then you are under His protection, grace will abound and you see a loving God. If you are consumed by anger, hatred and unforgiveness then you will see a mean God. We have a choice to make, a decision that will determine our destiny. This message was to give hope to Judah who had been under attack from Nineveh.
God begins this section with the observation that the enemy has many on their side and sounds invincible, but they will still be cut down. God does not do this to brag about His powers. This is for for our benefit. When we see the odds are overwhelmingly against us then we have to remember that God is more, He is greater than anything else.
Here is says that God afflicted Judah. He didn't ignore them or walk away from them. God took action against people who walked away from Him. To be afflicted means: to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously, to overthrown, defeat or humble. Why did God afflict Judah? After Solomon died the kingdom was split into two different lands. The northern kingdom was Israel and the southern kingdom was Judah. Does anyone else know what happens when a land splits up? Your power, military, wealth, etc. is weakened by the division. You are prone to attacks from other countries. Many of the kings of both lands (Israel and Judah) were evil and corrupt and some killed the prior king to gain power. Is anyone wondering why God would let His people be captured when they kept turning away from Him?
God broke the yoke from the people. A yoke was a device for joining two animals together to control them so that a farmer could plow a field. Yoke also means something that binds together, a bond or a tie. A weight is lifted from their spirit, soul and maybe a physically feeling of being set free.
The thought of God preparing graves is one of those verses that just stick out to me. I don't think this is one of those scriptures that is hard to decipher. God was not messing around here, He meant business. Wow.
God made those nameless that had in turn made their captives destroy the bones of their ancestors which took away their history and family names. God knows justice.
We see that it is not all bad news, for the people of Judah they are to celebrate their festivals again, but they are also suppose to fulfill their vows. We can not just celebrate and have a party when we become a Christian. When we come to the Father we have to repent for our sins. While they were captives they could not celebrate or pursue their religion. When God sets us free we are to celebrate Him, celebrate life and honor God in all that we do.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Quote - Dr. Seuss
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out."
~ Dr. Seuss
We spend so many years trying to fit in especially in the teen years that we forget how to be original and stand out. In large part this is helped by people who bully others. When we blend in then we don't usually get picked on. It's the safe route, but not the best one. God made us special and we are all different and that is perfectly OK. Be proud of who God made you to be, He does not make mistakes!
Dr. Seuss was a brilliant writer. As an adult reading the books to my kids I have noticed the lessons that are weaved into his stories. Among the nonsense words there is a treasure of wisdom that can help us all as kids, teens and adults.
~ Dr. Seuss
We spend so many years trying to fit in especially in the teen years that we forget how to be original and stand out. In large part this is helped by people who bully others. When we blend in then we don't usually get picked on. It's the safe route, but not the best one. God made us special and we are all different and that is perfectly OK. Be proud of who God made you to be, He does not make mistakes!
Dr. Seuss was a brilliant writer. As an adult reading the books to my kids I have noticed the lessons that are weaved into his stories. Among the nonsense words there is a treasure of wisdom that can help us all as kids, teens and adults.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Quote - Thomas S. Monson
"There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: 'Judge not.'"
~Thomas S. Monson
Friday, March 6, 2015
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.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Don't let the words from others derail you.
"There is no convincing proof of your claim except delusion."
This is a comment I received from my post on Jonah 4:6. I find if very interesting some of the comments that I get from people who don't seem to believe. God is planting seeds all over the place that could grow in the future. Our job as believers is not to argue, we should be showing love and kindness to those people. Instead of pushing them away by saying how wrong they are. The truth IS and since that is the case it can not be argued without us looking like strange or mean people and us getting so upset that we loose all composure. Remember that the enemy is waiting for us to look like a fool before those that don't believe. He wants as many as possible to stray from the flock as he can get and unfortunately he is doing a bang up job of it.
Here is my response.
This is a comment I received from my post on Jonah 4:6. I find if very interesting some of the comments that I get from people who don't seem to believe. God is planting seeds all over the place that could grow in the future. Our job as believers is not to argue, we should be showing love and kindness to those people. Instead of pushing them away by saying how wrong they are. The truth IS and since that is the case it can not be argued without us looking like strange or mean people and us getting so upset that we loose all composure. Remember that the enemy is waiting for us to look like a fool before those that don't believe. He wants as many as possible to stray from the flock as he can get and unfortunately he is doing a bang up job of it.
Here is my response.
Just saw your comment, yes I am extremely behind on my emails! So you think I am delusional? That is OK, because I do not do this to be liked. Everyone has their own opinions and we are free to share what we believe. When you bring up "proof" then I know I can not argue with you because believers need no proof, yet non believers will not move forward without it. It can be pointless to try to get someone else to see your point of view when they are dead set against it. Do you believe in the wind? You can't see the wind or grasp it in your hands, yet you can see what it can do. Does this mean that it doesn't exist?
My proof is the word of God, the things that I have seen on this earth that are not from this world. I have felt God's peace, which is unlike anything on this planet and people will destroy themselves to try to find it in other things. I was a sinner who deserved no grace yet God poured His love down on me and has changed me forever. So when someone is in a place that I know well (unbelief) then I can only offer them kindness. I can't hold bitterness towards you or anyone else because God does not hold that against me. Being a Christian is not a religion, it is a personal relationship with Jesus and I will go on proclaiming His goodness for all of my days.
I know that many Christians have been the worst promoters for God, saying one thing and doing something entirely different. Do you think it was an accident that you stumbled on my post? It was not, God has a plan for you even if you do not believe in Him. He loves you so much, but I think that you do not know that. I pray one day that you will know His love because when you do there will be a change in your heart that will grant you passage to beautiful love here on earth and an eternity of love.
My proof is the word of God, the things that I have seen on this earth that are not from this world. I have felt God's peace, which is unlike anything on this planet and people will destroy themselves to try to find it in other things. I was a sinner who deserved no grace yet God poured His love down on me and has changed me forever. So when someone is in a place that I know well (unbelief) then I can only offer them kindness. I can't hold bitterness towards you or anyone else because God does not hold that against me. Being a Christian is not a religion, it is a personal relationship with Jesus and I will go on proclaiming His goodness for all of my days.
I know that many Christians have been the worst promoters for God, saying one thing and doing something entirely different. Do you think it was an accident that you stumbled on my post? It was not, God has a plan for you even if you do not believe in Him. He loves you so much, but I think that you do not know that. I pray one day that you will know His love because when you do there will be a change in your heart that will grant you passage to beautiful love here on earth and an eternity of love.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Nahum 1:6-11
v. 6-11 "Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will pursue his foes into darkness.
Whatever they plot against the Lord
he will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.
They will be entangled among thorns
and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble.
From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth
who plots evil against the Lord
and counsels wickedness."
I hope all my sweet friends, that would be you, are having a wonderful day today. Where I am it is raining and very cold. Not a fun day to be out so I am glad that I am inside where it is warm and I can be away from the elements. God is the covering over our head, like my house that keeps me warm in the winter. God is protective by nature, yet you can clearly see that He will act against evil like the authoritative power that He is.
The word indignation means: strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting; a righteous anger. This wonderful book is a warning and a blessing to all of us. We should make good decisions and try to stay away from harmful choices. The verse that says "trouble will not come a second time" is one of those that just jumps out at me. There is a finality here that doesn't seem to be in the book of Jonah. They have had long enough to turn from their evil ways and now it is time to make things right. The book of Jonah is so focused on Jonah's story that there isn't much said about Nineveh, here the prophet does not hold back.
Warning: If you are enjoying your cup of coffee and looking forward to a peaceful post, this is not that day.
Does it seem like God is being mean here? Let me tell why I think He was justified in His anger, which He always is. Looking into the history of the kings of Nineveh is overwhelming. King Ashurbanipal was from a long line of rulers that were extremely brutal.
Some of the things that the kings of Nineveh did are:
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will pursue his foes into darkness.
Whatever they plot against the Lord
he will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.
They will be entangled among thorns
and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble.
From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth
who plots evil against the Lord
and counsels wickedness."
I hope all my sweet friends, that would be you, are having a wonderful day today. Where I am it is raining and very cold. Not a fun day to be out so I am glad that I am inside where it is warm and I can be away from the elements. God is the covering over our head, like my house that keeps me warm in the winter. God is protective by nature, yet you can clearly see that He will act against evil like the authoritative power that He is.
The word indignation means: strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting; a righteous anger. This wonderful book is a warning and a blessing to all of us. We should make good decisions and try to stay away from harmful choices. The verse that says "trouble will not come a second time" is one of those that just jumps out at me. There is a finality here that doesn't seem to be in the book of Jonah. They have had long enough to turn from their evil ways and now it is time to make things right. The book of Jonah is so focused on Jonah's story that there isn't much said about Nineveh, here the prophet does not hold back.
Warning: If you are enjoying your cup of coffee and looking forward to a peaceful post, this is not that day.
Does it seem like God is being mean here? Let me tell why I think He was justified in His anger, which He always is. Looking into the history of the kings of Nineveh is overwhelming. King Ashurbanipal was from a long line of rulers that were extremely brutal.
Some of the things that the kings of Nineveh did are:
- beheaded enemies
- disemboweled, probably while alive
- skinned people alive
- hung naked enemies or their heads on poles
- took captives by chains on their feet and/or noses
- cut out tongues
- made their captives grind the bones of their ancestors
What does this list all have in common? Nineveh ran on fear and complete submission to the king. Skinning people alive is just one of those things that are really hard to comprehend. The last thing about grinding bones was a mentally and emotionally abusive torture tactic. Many people from that time period held the belief that their ancestors bones were sacred. Grinding the bones would have been unthinkable. It erases their family line, takes away their ancestral voice. Just like the Jews in WWII where given numbers or the slaves in America were not named on the census inventory for a plantation owner. Truly a cruel act to erase people's identity.
I'm not trying to ruin your day, but I am not one to ignore history. This research is not what I would call fun. Although, it is necessary to see why God had a justified right to His anger towards Nineveh. There is a famous quote about if we ignore our history we are doomed to repeat it. When we go along as if nothing is happening or has ever happened bad then we deceive ourselves. I do not want a re-branding of our history to only show the good things we have done. We NEED to look at the history of all people to learn lessons from wicked leaders and to see hope in the people that decided to take a stand for what is right.
Just reading about the way these kings conducted their kingdom is appalling. The British Museum has many of the reliefs that had been found in Nineveh. The pictures were meant to boast about their rulers and probably scare people visiting the kingdom. One would think that Nahum heard about the drawings of death that were on the palace walls. Unfortunately, this moment in history is not unusual or more violent than many others. It's sad to think evil with power has gone on for most of human history and in some parts of the world is going on right now.
The one who has come forth to plot evil against the Lord seems to be talking about just one person. During Nahum's life Ashurbanipal was king. I think that in a long line of evil rulers, this "one" refers to the legacy of many cruel leaders.
The one who has come forth to plot evil against the Lord seems to be talking about just one person. During Nahum's life Ashurbanipal was king. I think that in a long line of evil rulers, this "one" refers to the legacy of many cruel leaders.
Friday, February 6, 2015
IF:gathering
There is a women's conference going on tonight and tomorrow. IF:gathering is a conference in Austin, TX that is being shown around the world. My town is showing a live feed of this amazing group of women that God has called to rally us in our hearts, minds and actions. Tonight was the first session and they are offering all women a chance to watch for free. Since many of you who visit my blog are in other countries, I do not know if they offer a translation. I hope that you will be able to watch the video from tonight. Tomorrow is the last day, they are going to have an all day conference so you should be able to watch those sessions for free too. Please click on the link below if you would like to watch. I'm not sure how long this will be online so please don't wait. Tonight was extremes; heart breaking, deep & funny. All made me think of what am I doing with the gifts God has given me and why have I not done more. If you like it then let me know what you think and what God is putting on your heart to do in our world. #ifgathering
IF:gathering
IF:gathering
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Quote - Friends
"For to be without friends is a serious form of poverty."
from It Happened on 5th Avenue (movie)
This quote is from one of my favorite holiday movies, not one of the more famous movies although it should be. It is funny and inspiring all at the same time. When I first heard the line I had to pause and write it down. Such a beautiful line that really makes you think. When I looked up poverty the definition said - state or condition of having little or no money, goods or means of support, deficiency of necessary or desirable ingredients. We usually think of poverty as only being one thing, although their are many different ways this can take shape in our lives. There is a very big difference when you are going through something difficult if you have close friends by your side or if you feel completely alone.
We were made for community and that is why I think that many are lonely today. So many people are busy that they can't slow down to see the things that are the most important in their lives, it is never that important to check social media updates every hour or every few minutes and forgo talking to people face to face. It is good to step away from the web occasionally to take a break, evaluate the things we think are top priority in our lives. Don't think I am one of those church ladies that have a group of friends and have had them for years to turn to in times of need. I have always been a loner type so I don't have that great group of friends. Of course, I would love to have that kind of amazing group of friends that are there for you no matter what. It's something I'm praying for. I hope that you have people that you can rely on out there. Life is so much better when we have others to share with.
from It Happened on 5th Avenue (movie)
This quote is from one of my favorite holiday movies, not one of the more famous movies although it should be. It is funny and inspiring all at the same time. When I first heard the line I had to pause and write it down. Such a beautiful line that really makes you think. When I looked up poverty the definition said - state or condition of having little or no money, goods or means of support, deficiency of necessary or desirable ingredients. We usually think of poverty as only being one thing, although their are many different ways this can take shape in our lives. There is a very big difference when you are going through something difficult if you have close friends by your side or if you feel completely alone.
We were made for community and that is why I think that many are lonely today. So many people are busy that they can't slow down to see the things that are the most important in their lives, it is never that important to check social media updates every hour or every few minutes and forgo talking to people face to face. It is good to step away from the web occasionally to take a break, evaluate the things we think are top priority in our lives. Don't think I am one of those church ladies that have a group of friends and have had them for years to turn to in times of need. I have always been a loner type so I don't have that great group of friends. Of course, I would love to have that kind of amazing group of friends that are there for you no matter what. It's something I'm praying for. I hope that you have people that you can rely on out there. Life is so much better when we have others to share with.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Quote - Joseph Campbell
"Find a place inside where there's joy and the joy will burn out the pain."
~ Joseph Campbell
~ Joseph Campbell
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas
I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas. In all the hurry of the season I had become stressed and feeling not very festive. My phone went missing last Friday, so that only adds more stress. It's still missing. Last night I had no Christmas cheer, then I started to think about why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It is not about finding the best deals on gifts, being stressed about trying to get everything done or dealing with family visiting. It is to be in awe of the miracle of the birth of a little baby that was to become our King. Jesus came for you and me, He came despite our constant sinful nature. This is an amazing moment in history that is often overshadowed by the chaos of getting stuff.
When I started to focus on Jesus my stress diminished, I saw how unbelievably selfish I was being. Today was a bit nerve racking, but I was trying to focus on watching my kids. The excitement they got over opening presents and playing with them for hours. That was the best present of the day for me. I am thankful that I was able to spend Christmas with my family and share a great breakfast & dinner with them. This post would have been done earlier but, due to a migraine (see above about stress) I am finishing this late before bed. Besides stress I am one of those people that can only take being around other people for so long. It's nothing they do, just the way I am. Some great writers have been hermits, so I'm on the right track. I am a loner at heart so gatherings take a tole on me.
I hope that no matter what the events are from today, you enjoyed celebrating with loved ones and were able to enjoy the greatest gift of all. Even if you had no one to share the day with, you have a kind and loving Father who gives the gift of a warm embrace. When the King of all nations descended upon this earth He shared the Father's love and mercy with all people. We have been given a gift to share God's word with the world. I hope you will join me in trying to share, despite our nature to sin and get things wrong many times. If our hearts are filled with Jesus, there is no telling the amazing things we could do if we would only take a step of faith.
Merry Christmas to you and you families. God bless you.
When I started to focus on Jesus my stress diminished, I saw how unbelievably selfish I was being. Today was a bit nerve racking, but I was trying to focus on watching my kids. The excitement they got over opening presents and playing with them for hours. That was the best present of the day for me. I am thankful that I was able to spend Christmas with my family and share a great breakfast & dinner with them. This post would have been done earlier but, due to a migraine (see above about stress) I am finishing this late before bed. Besides stress I am one of those people that can only take being around other people for so long. It's nothing they do, just the way I am. Some great writers have been hermits, so I'm on the right track. I am a loner at heart so gatherings take a tole on me.
I hope that no matter what the events are from today, you enjoyed celebrating with loved ones and were able to enjoy the greatest gift of all. Even if you had no one to share the day with, you have a kind and loving Father who gives the gift of a warm embrace. When the King of all nations descended upon this earth He shared the Father's love and mercy with all people. We have been given a gift to share God's word with the world. I hope you will join me in trying to share, despite our nature to sin and get things wrong many times. If our hearts are filled with Jesus, there is no telling the amazing things we could do if we would only take a step of faith.
Merry Christmas to you and you families. God bless you.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Nahum 1:1-5
You may wonder why it has taken me so long to start my next book in the Bible. I just found my study Bible after many months of not knowing where it was. I am very disorganized, even before the move, this is a problem area for me that I am trying to work on. I have been feeling a bit strange lately. I just feel that I'm off balance. I know that the time I have been spending with God has grown smaller over these last few months. I am not to the point of Nineveh yet sometimes when we are slightly off then it doesn't seem like a big deal. That is when it can be the biggest deal, even small sin is disobedience and can look like nothing compared to the "big" sins. Not putting God first can change the dynamic of your life. So I am happy to focus on getting back to where I am in a peaceful place with God.
v. 1-5 "An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power;
the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it."
We are here again in this painfully familiar place. Making the same choice and continuing down the same path that we know will only lead to discipline. Some will never make better choices, others will slowly start to make better choices so that their lives will have a vastly different outcome.
Nahum is another prophet who spoke of the problems in Nineveh. This was nearly one hundred years after Jonah's time. After an entire city turn to God they eventually started back to their old ways and are now in the same position they were when Jonah came to town. The newness wore off, the light got pushed out by bad habits and old ways. Maybe each new generation heard a little less about what God had done in the lives of their families and town until nothing was said about Him at all. There was great suffering in Judah because of the invasion by Assyria. This book is a warning to turn from sin and repent, it also gave hope to the Israelites who had been crushed by these people.
An oracle is a message from God that was given to the prophets to let the people know what the word of God was. v. 2 says that God takes vengeance and He is filled with wrath. People turn away because they see a mean God and hypocrites in His churches. Yet in every instance I can think of in the Bible, God becomes this way only after wrong choices are made by mankind. He gives free choice to all people and only after bad decisions are made does He reacts to those choices. God's vengeance and jealously are not within our understanding. When we react in the same way it is with different motives in our hearts, we get jealous out of envy, pride or selfishness. God punishes those that misbehave just as a good parent will discipline their children. These people were an enemy to God. I think a reason why this section starts off with showing God's vengeance is to grab our attention so we can focus on not making those same mistakes as the people of Nineveh and it shows His power and authority.
"When people wonder why God doesn't punish evil immediately, help them remember that if he did, none of us would be here." NIV Notes
v. 3-5 shows the nature of God. He is slow to anger and He gives us so much time yet there comes a point when He intervenes. This also shows He is great in power so much so that when He chooses to act there are physical disturbances in the earth. That is some kind of power! God is patient and gives us time to repent, but judgement will come. Bashan, Carmel and Lebanon were known to be extremely fertile lands so this gives people a picture of what God's power could do if He could make those places wither to nothing. Willful disobedience is rebellion against God and if the Holy Spirit is inside of you then it is rebellion against the very core of you being.
v. 1-5 "An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power;
the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it."
We are here again in this painfully familiar place. Making the same choice and continuing down the same path that we know will only lead to discipline. Some will never make better choices, others will slowly start to make better choices so that their lives will have a vastly different outcome.
Nahum is another prophet who spoke of the problems in Nineveh. This was nearly one hundred years after Jonah's time. After an entire city turn to God they eventually started back to their old ways and are now in the same position they were when Jonah came to town. The newness wore off, the light got pushed out by bad habits and old ways. Maybe each new generation heard a little less about what God had done in the lives of their families and town until nothing was said about Him at all. There was great suffering in Judah because of the invasion by Assyria. This book is a warning to turn from sin and repent, it also gave hope to the Israelites who had been crushed by these people.
An oracle is a message from God that was given to the prophets to let the people know what the word of God was. v. 2 says that God takes vengeance and He is filled with wrath. People turn away because they see a mean God and hypocrites in His churches. Yet in every instance I can think of in the Bible, God becomes this way only after wrong choices are made by mankind. He gives free choice to all people and only after bad decisions are made does He reacts to those choices. God's vengeance and jealously are not within our understanding. When we react in the same way it is with different motives in our hearts, we get jealous out of envy, pride or selfishness. God punishes those that misbehave just as a good parent will discipline their children. These people were an enemy to God. I think a reason why this section starts off with showing God's vengeance is to grab our attention so we can focus on not making those same mistakes as the people of Nineveh and it shows His power and authority.
"When people wonder why God doesn't punish evil immediately, help them remember that if he did, none of us would be here." NIV Notes
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Quote - Raven Symone
"I'm an American. And that's a colorless person."
~ Raven Symone
This woman would be considered black to those who see her, yet she does not want a label of African American. I don't think that is going against her heritage. Isn't it time to drop labels for all and just be known for who you are. I agree with her. For a while now I keep thinking the same thing. I don't go around stating that I am a European American do to where my ancestors came from so why are certain groups still using this. I think this was used by a group of people to keep their identity and heritage. I also think this was used by media and research groups to make sure people are fit in groups, but they lump everyone together which may not help with to stereotyping. I'm not sure if this is the same in other countries in the world like in American. African, Indian, Asian, Latin, Middle Eastern, etc doesn't matter in God's eyes.
If you are an American, then that is what you are. If you are a Christian then you are in one family, not divided among different groups. There are so many different divisions of Christianity that I think we lose a sense of unity. I didn't grow up in church so I'm not Methodist, Baptist, etc. I am a Christian, I do not have a denomination. Some estimates that say there are 20,000 to 40,000 differences in Christianity alone! Remember God gave 10 commandments and the Rabbi's can up with over 600 laws. We are one church under God (this doesn't include any crazy cults who don't actually line up with the Bible).
The more we see ourselves as separate the more we will start to believe it. Then our actions will start to show the division of our belief. Then we will see and think of certain groups in a negative way. Those beliefs will be so deep rooted that we will pass on to the next generation the same beliefs which will limit connections with people who don't look like us.
I don't believe God sees color, He sees our hearts. When will we join Him?
~ Raven Symone
This woman would be considered black to those who see her, yet she does not want a label of African American. I don't think that is going against her heritage. Isn't it time to drop labels for all and just be known for who you are. I agree with her. For a while now I keep thinking the same thing. I don't go around stating that I am a European American do to where my ancestors came from so why are certain groups still using this. I think this was used by a group of people to keep their identity and heritage. I also think this was used by media and research groups to make sure people are fit in groups, but they lump everyone together which may not help with to stereotyping. I'm not sure if this is the same in other countries in the world like in American. African, Indian, Asian, Latin, Middle Eastern, etc doesn't matter in God's eyes.
If you are an American, then that is what you are. If you are a Christian then you are in one family, not divided among different groups. There are so many different divisions of Christianity that I think we lose a sense of unity. I didn't grow up in church so I'm not Methodist, Baptist, etc. I am a Christian, I do not have a denomination. Some estimates that say there are 20,000 to 40,000 differences in Christianity alone! Remember God gave 10 commandments and the Rabbi's can up with over 600 laws. We are one church under God (this doesn't include any crazy cults who don't actually line up with the Bible).
The more we see ourselves as separate the more we will start to believe it. Then our actions will start to show the division of our belief. Then we will see and think of certain groups in a negative way. Those beliefs will be so deep rooted that we will pass on to the next generation the same beliefs which will limit connections with people who don't look like us.
I don't believe God sees color, He sees our hearts. When will we join Him?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)