Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
More Than You Think I Am
I've been doing a lot of thinking these days. I don't know if it's because I turned 50 a few months back, and I'm getting older, or if it's just because of all the nonsense that's going on in the world these days. Either way, I've been thinking. Yeah, shocker!!
I think that's also what causes me to avoid my blog these days. Something my Mom once told me..."If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." I could write all day about people and things that tick me off. Things that annoy me, and things that make me sad. People are rushing around always in a hurry to do who-knows-what, and go who-knows-where. The sense of entitlement is unbelievable these days, and it all just drives me crazy. I don't want my blog to be filled with negativity though. I want it to be pleasing to the Lord, and an encouragement to those who read it.
Right now I've got my music playing, headphones on and am feeling encouraged by the words I'm listening to. Music is so soothing to the soul, isn't it? When I need to 'get away' from it all, I crank up the music and let the words speak to me. ♪♫
The song "More Than You Think I Am" by Danny Gokey is one of my new favorite songs. The lyrics are beautiful when you know it's Jesus speaking the words...(with my input in italics after)
You always think I'm somewhere on a mountain top
But never think behind bars
You'd be amazed the places that I'd go to be with you
Where you are
(Sometimes I wish I felt Jesus more than I do. I know He is with me everywhere, but often my sinful nature ignores Him, and it makes me sad. He is there waiting for me...ALL the time!)
So forget what you've heard
What you think that you know
There's a lot about me
That's never been told
(I need to spend a LOT more time in The Word. I need to just be still and listen to Him more. Pray more, and reflect on who He is!)
Rumor has it there's a gavel in my hand
I'm only here to condemn
But let me tell you secrets you would've never known
I think of you as my best friend
(This verse makes me sad. I love that it says Jesus is NOT just here to condemn. They're right. People think all He does is judge us and punish us, yet we make choices and ALL choices have consequences, whether good or bad. He wants us to do what's right, yet despite our sins, He longs to be our friend!!)
So much has been said
Even done in my name
But I'm showing you now
Who I really am
(Amen!)
Let me open your eyes to see the heart of me, differently
Come closer than you've ever been
Let me in like never before
Bring me every broken part
The wounds and scars of who you are
And hide in me and you will see
(I long to be close, and I pray that He will continue to reveal Himself in my life daily. I need to go to Him when I'm broken and when I feel whole. He is the ONLY one who can fill what is empty in my life.)
I'm more than you dreamed
More than you understand
Your days and your times
Were destined for our dance
I catch all your tears
Burn your name on my heart
Be still and trust my plan
I'm more than you think I am
(My name is burned on His heart....He loves me! He desires to be my friend! He adopted me into His family! I don't deserve Him, but nonetheless, I am His and He is mine! Amen!!)
Such a beautiful song!! Have a listen...then take some time reflecting on the words. Remember, He loves YOU...don't you ever forget that!!! =)
Friday, January 01, 2016
New Year...New Me!
Happy New Year!!
It's 2016, so hard to believe that 2015 is over. It was a hard year for our family for many reasons, but it was also a great year.
What made it so difficult?
These two are what I'm most proud of...
I know that God has blessed my life with an amazing husband who loves me (and to this day I have NO clue why!), and two kids who continue to amaze me on a daily basis. I am so in love with my family, and I couldn't ask for more than that.
So, why a new me? I want to be different...better than ever!
I want to....
So if you think of it, pray for me. I'll be doing a lot of that myself!
It's 2016, so hard to believe that 2015 is over. It was a hard year for our family for many reasons, but it was also a great year.
What made it so difficult?
- Rob's job situation
- Having no family nearby
- Missing our son who is away at college
- Having a hard time making 'real' friends
- Losing our sweet dog, Cody
- Missing the colder New England weather
- Not feeling like our house is our home yet
- Being sick for most of the summer
- The heat...oh the awful humid heat!
- Financial difficulties
- Having my sister and her family visit us
- Being part of an amazing church family
- Making new friends
- Being a part of the women's Bible study at church
- Getting some great photography jobs
- Having our son home for the summer & breaks
- Enjoying girl time with my daughter
- Skype & Facetime calls with faraway family/friends
- Feeling closer to God than ever before
- Our family vacation to Colorado
- and lots more moments throughout the year!
These two are what I'm most proud of...
I know that God has blessed my life with an amazing husband who loves me (and to this day I have NO clue why!), and two kids who continue to amaze me on a daily basis. I am so in love with my family, and I couldn't ask for more than that.
So, why a new me? I want to be different...better than ever!
I want to....
- Grow in my walk with the Lord
- Pray more for my husband & kids
- Be the best mom I can possibly be
- Work on the outward me...lose weight, feel good etc.
- Show kindness and reach out more to others
- Keep up with this blog and write from my heart
- Live my life for the Lord & be completely transparent
- Care about what matters most, not what doesn't
- Not worry about what others think of me as much as I do
- Improve on my photography skills
- Get out of debt!
- Communicate better with others & not be so introverted
So if you think of it, pray for me. I'll be doing a lot of that myself!
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Remain Steadfast...Don't ever give in!
I am pretty straight forward when it comes to talking about my Christian faith on my Facebook wall, but when it comes to news and politics, I tend to hold back and am a lot more cautious. I don't like to open doors up for big debates. I have my opinions, and there are many times I'd LOVE to write a comment on Facebook posts, but I generally refrain. I'm not sure why. Maybe my Mom's advice finally kicked in after all those years of saying 'If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything.' I suppose I don't want to offend others, but honestly why should I care not to offend, if what I'm talking about is moral, honest and true?
One of the most 'offensive' (according to some folks) things I DO talk about is my faith in Jesus Christ, but I honestly don't mind offending people for the sake of the Gospel. If they are offended, then perhaps it's because they need to get right with the Lord. I don't get all preachy, but I do speak the truth, mostly from personal experiences. As a Christian, how can I NOT share Christ with others? Aren't we commanded to do so? After all, in Mark 16:15 it says, "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." If I were not a Christian, I'd certainly want someone to share the Gospel with me, especially since it matters where I spend eternity!
That being said, I'm not on Facebook account right now, I'm on my blog, and I feel a lot more freedom in writing about my feelings and opinions here. There's no one to immediately knock me down. No one to argue with, and no one to get me upset or tell me off because they disagree with me.
Have you noticed how disturbing the news has been lately? Everything seems to be so evil and full of sin. These things 'should' be disturbing to everyone, but unfortunately we live in a world where people are selfish, and don't care about anyone but themselves. People tolerate the bad, but not the good, and there's also such a sense of entitlement. As Christians, we are to love one another unconditionally, yet we do not have to tolerate their sin! We don't have to give in to their immorality.
Perfect example: The mass shooting just today in Oregon. I can't even imagine what went through those victims' minds as the shooter asked 'what religion' they were, then shot those dead who responded that they were a Christian! This man went out of his way to kill innocent people because they believed in something other than he did. He chose to take their lives. What a sick and twisted mind to do something like that!
And what about all those innocent babies who are slaughtered on a daily basis?? Abortion is evil. It is wrong. All those lives just thrown away by selfish Moms, greedy doctors, and companies (like Planned Parenthood) that have absolutely no morals, and no regard for the sanctity of human life! Shame on them! They are taking lives too, only they think there's nothing wrong with that.
Then there's the acceptance of gay marriage. I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would choose to be gay in this world, because that's exactly what it is...a choice. God created us in HIS image, He did not create people to be gay. He intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman. In order for us to 'be fruitful and multiply', there needs to be a union between a man and woman. It's that simple. Our country has decided that it's OK to marry anyone you wish, whether male or female, and that's just NOT OK with me. I'm sickened by the tolerance of so many, even folks who at one time claimed to be 'Christian'. It is wrong and it is sin. Do I hate them for it? Absolutely not! I have friends who I strongly disagree with for their lifestyle choices, but I love them, and would never judge them...that's for God to do, but...I will not tolerate and back up their sin by promoting it.
There have been more stories in the news about gays suing Christian business owners for not providing services for them, services that go against their personal beliefs. Photographers, bakery owners, florists, and now even Christian schools are being sued. Why?? Wouldn't it be easier for them to just go find a photographer, a florist, baker and even a school that WILL support their sin, rather than sue those who don't? Why would they want to hurt those who don't agree with their lifestyle. Satan comes to seek and destroy, and apparently that's just what he's doing! As a photographer, I now refuse to photograph weddings anymore for fear of being sued. It's scary! To stand up for what we believe in is getting harder and harder.
Another example is how Muslims and their beliefs are making their way into this country...a country that never fully recovered from their attacks nearly 15 years ago. Our own President has done nothing to stop them. There is an indoctrination going on in the schools. They are being voted into leadership positions, and no one is saying a word!! WHY?? Just as Satan creeps in like a wolf in sheep's clothing, so are they. They are building more and more mosques, and are slowly trying to take over. Just Google it, people, it's happening...where I live, where YOU live...all over! God have mercy on the United States of America!! We need to get a President in the White House who will stand for God and what's right!
Folks, we need to remain steadfast, and stand firm in our belief in God! Just as it says in I Peter, we need to glorify God, even when we suffer! We also need to be constantly on our knees in prayer for those who are suffering. We need to pray that God will have mercy on us and on our country, that He will keep us safe, and that soon He will come back and take us home!
If you're suffering now, going through hard times, just remember that God is in control. We are not of this world...this is not our home, and we can't expect to live in a perfect world when it's riddled with sin. One day we will be whole, we will be perfect, and we will be able to stand before the Lord. Do whatever it takes now so when you're standing before Him, he will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Standing with you.
One of the most 'offensive' (according to some folks) things I DO talk about is my faith in Jesus Christ, but I honestly don't mind offending people for the sake of the Gospel. If they are offended, then perhaps it's because they need to get right with the Lord. I don't get all preachy, but I do speak the truth, mostly from personal experiences. As a Christian, how can I NOT share Christ with others? Aren't we commanded to do so? After all, in Mark 16:15 it says, "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." If I were not a Christian, I'd certainly want someone to share the Gospel with me, especially since it matters where I spend eternity!
That being said, I'm not on Facebook account right now, I'm on my blog, and I feel a lot more freedom in writing about my feelings and opinions here. There's no one to immediately knock me down. No one to argue with, and no one to get me upset or tell me off because they disagree with me.
Have you noticed how disturbing the news has been lately? Everything seems to be so evil and full of sin. These things 'should' be disturbing to everyone, but unfortunately we live in a world where people are selfish, and don't care about anyone but themselves. People tolerate the bad, but not the good, and there's also such a sense of entitlement. As Christians, we are to love one another unconditionally, yet we do not have to tolerate their sin! We don't have to give in to their immorality.
Perfect example: The mass shooting just today in Oregon. I can't even imagine what went through those victims' minds as the shooter asked 'what religion' they were, then shot those dead who responded that they were a Christian! This man went out of his way to kill innocent people because they believed in something other than he did. He chose to take their lives. What a sick and twisted mind to do something like that!
And what about all those innocent babies who are slaughtered on a daily basis?? Abortion is evil. It is wrong. All those lives just thrown away by selfish Moms, greedy doctors, and companies (like Planned Parenthood) that have absolutely no morals, and no regard for the sanctity of human life! Shame on them! They are taking lives too, only they think there's nothing wrong with that.
Then there's the acceptance of gay marriage. I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would choose to be gay in this world, because that's exactly what it is...a choice. God created us in HIS image, He did not create people to be gay. He intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman. In order for us to 'be fruitful and multiply', there needs to be a union between a man and woman. It's that simple. Our country has decided that it's OK to marry anyone you wish, whether male or female, and that's just NOT OK with me. I'm sickened by the tolerance of so many, even folks who at one time claimed to be 'Christian'. It is wrong and it is sin. Do I hate them for it? Absolutely not! I have friends who I strongly disagree with for their lifestyle choices, but I love them, and would never judge them...that's for God to do, but...I will not tolerate and back up their sin by promoting it.
There have been more stories in the news about gays suing Christian business owners for not providing services for them, services that go against their personal beliefs. Photographers, bakery owners, florists, and now even Christian schools are being sued. Why?? Wouldn't it be easier for them to just go find a photographer, a florist, baker and even a school that WILL support their sin, rather than sue those who don't? Why would they want to hurt those who don't agree with their lifestyle. Satan comes to seek and destroy, and apparently that's just what he's doing! As a photographer, I now refuse to photograph weddings anymore for fear of being sued. It's scary! To stand up for what we believe in is getting harder and harder.
Another example is how Muslims and their beliefs are making their way into this country...a country that never fully recovered from their attacks nearly 15 years ago. Our own President has done nothing to stop them. There is an indoctrination going on in the schools. They are being voted into leadership positions, and no one is saying a word!! WHY?? Just as Satan creeps in like a wolf in sheep's clothing, so are they. They are building more and more mosques, and are slowly trying to take over. Just Google it, people, it's happening...where I live, where YOU live...all over! God have mercy on the United States of America!! We need to get a President in the White House who will stand for God and what's right!
Folks, we need to remain steadfast, and stand firm in our belief in God! Just as it says in I Peter, we need to glorify God, even when we suffer! We also need to be constantly on our knees in prayer for those who are suffering. We need to pray that God will have mercy on us and on our country, that He will keep us safe, and that soon He will come back and take us home!
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
If you're suffering now, going through hard times, just remember that God is in control. We are not of this world...this is not our home, and we can't expect to live in a perfect world when it's riddled with sin. One day we will be whole, we will be perfect, and we will be able to stand before the Lord. Do whatever it takes now so when you're standing before Him, he will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Standing with you.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
A Touchy Subject
Sometimes I wish I could go back in time, so I could have raised my kids when life wasn't quite as difficult or as 'evil' as it seems to be today. It wasn't the easiest back in the 60's and 70's when I was growing up, but it certainly didn't seem as bad as it is today. Between terrorist attacks on the US, Christians constantly being murdered all over the world, gays and transgenders freely flaunting their sin and it being tolerated by so many, and the intolerance of Christianity, I'm more than ready for Christ to return!!
I'm saddened that my children are being raised in a world where evil prevails. I'm sad that they don't get to live their lives without being smacked in the face with liberals and their evil schemes. It's disgusting what this world has become, and I'm angered about it, so I KNOW that it angers God! Remember the Flood? Had God not promised again to flood and destroy the earth, I bet we'd all have been washed away for a 2nd time already!
All that being said, there are obvious evils in this world and there are some 'not so obvious' evils. One of the evils that most people don't see, is the spread of Catholicism throughout the world, especially here in America where it seems to be the biggest 'religion'. When you say that you're a Christian now a days, people assume you're Catholic. Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not Catholic, I am a born again, Bible believing, Jesus follower!
Just this week, the Pope visited the US and so many people went crazy over the fact that he was here, almost as if he were God. It saddens me to see how lost these people are. The Pope is no more God than you or I. He is a sinner just like everyone else, just like Mary was (gasp!), and just like the rest of us are. Don't believe me?
Well, tonight I listened to an amazing sermon online! The speaker was Mark Cahill. He was spot on regarding the subject of 'Roman Catholicism vs. The Bible".
Here's what it says on his website about the sermon: "Comparing the 1994 official Catechism of the Catholic Church to the Bible might amaze you with teachings you may have not known about before. Learn how to reach out to Catholics with the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
To listen, click here, or visit Mark's website and search for it under the Teaching tab (then go to Listen, then to Sermon).
Now, I've read a lot about the Catholic church while homeschooling both my kids. We've used the curriculum 'Beautiful Feet' to study the Medieval time period from a Christian point of view, and a lot of it stresses how the Catholic church was backed up by Kings and others in power, simply to get what they wanted. It had nothing to do with God and what was right! It had everything to do with money and greed. Today, the Catholic church is still the same. If you're interested, some books we read include:
Martin Luther
Fine Print
Morning Star of the Reformation
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day
and more...lots more.
I have read and understood just what some of the Christian men sacrificed, all for the cause of Christ. Martin Luther, William Tyndale, Johannes Gutenburg, John Wycliffe...they challenged Catholicism, they preached on the TRUTH, and they put their own lives on the line, so they could spread the Gospel for you and I. I highly recommend you listen to Mark's sermon! He does not preach AT you in this sermon, he simply reads some of the Catholic Catechism then compares it to what the Bible says. The Bible is God's Word! The Bible speaks truth and is God's love letter to us.
Do you believe? Are you a Christ follower, or are you one who simply goes with the crowd? Do you tolerate sin in this world? Maybe it's time to take a look at your heart. Take a look at what God has done for you and compare it to what's going on around you today in society! He loves each and every one of us, He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and He is coming back again one day to bring His children home...those who believe in Him. God is love. Satan is evil. God cares about YOU. Satan is selfish and instills that same evil in the hearts of man. Don't tolerate things that Satan loves, go against the grain and live for Christ. It will be the best decision you ever make in your life!!
If you are already a Christian, do you just sit back and tolerate the evil that's going on in this world? Do you allow it to creep into your home, into your life? What are you doing to further the Gospel for Christ? Are you teaching it to your children? Just like Miss Clara says in the movie War Room (which I HIGHLY recommend you seeing):
“Lord, we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers who hate to be lukewarm and will stand on Your Word above all else. Raise ’em up, Lord. Raise them up.”
Thanks for reading. If you are offended, then perhaps I touched a soft spot in your heart. I don't apologize for doing so. I shared this so I can help you understand that your future matters! Eternity is forever. It's your call, where do you want to spend it?
I'm saddened that my children are being raised in a world where evil prevails. I'm sad that they don't get to live their lives without being smacked in the face with liberals and their evil schemes. It's disgusting what this world has become, and I'm angered about it, so I KNOW that it angers God! Remember the Flood? Had God not promised again to flood and destroy the earth, I bet we'd all have been washed away for a 2nd time already!
All that being said, there are obvious evils in this world and there are some 'not so obvious' evils. One of the evils that most people don't see, is the spread of Catholicism throughout the world, especially here in America where it seems to be the biggest 'religion'. When you say that you're a Christian now a days, people assume you're Catholic. Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not Catholic, I am a born again, Bible believing, Jesus follower!
Just this week, the Pope visited the US and so many people went crazy over the fact that he was here, almost as if he were God. It saddens me to see how lost these people are. The Pope is no more God than you or I. He is a sinner just like everyone else, just like Mary was (gasp!), and just like the rest of us are. Don't believe me?
Well, tonight I listened to an amazing sermon online! The speaker was Mark Cahill. He was spot on regarding the subject of 'Roman Catholicism vs. The Bible".
Here's what it says on his website about the sermon: "Comparing the 1994 official Catechism of the Catholic Church to the Bible might amaze you with teachings you may have not known about before. Learn how to reach out to Catholics with the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
To listen, click here, or visit Mark's website and search for it under the Teaching tab (then go to Listen, then to Sermon).
Now, I've read a lot about the Catholic church while homeschooling both my kids. We've used the curriculum 'Beautiful Feet' to study the Medieval time period from a Christian point of view, and a lot of it stresses how the Catholic church was backed up by Kings and others in power, simply to get what they wanted. It had nothing to do with God and what was right! It had everything to do with money and greed. Today, the Catholic church is still the same. If you're interested, some books we read include:
Martin Luther
Fine Print
Morning Star of the Reformation
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day
and more...lots more.
I have read and understood just what some of the Christian men sacrificed, all for the cause of Christ. Martin Luther, William Tyndale, Johannes Gutenburg, John Wycliffe...they challenged Catholicism, they preached on the TRUTH, and they put their own lives on the line, so they could spread the Gospel for you and I. I highly recommend you listen to Mark's sermon! He does not preach AT you in this sermon, he simply reads some of the Catholic Catechism then compares it to what the Bible says. The Bible is God's Word! The Bible speaks truth and is God's love letter to us.
Do you believe? Are you a Christ follower, or are you one who simply goes with the crowd? Do you tolerate sin in this world? Maybe it's time to take a look at your heart. Take a look at what God has done for you and compare it to what's going on around you today in society! He loves each and every one of us, He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and He is coming back again one day to bring His children home...those who believe in Him. God is love. Satan is evil. God cares about YOU. Satan is selfish and instills that same evil in the hearts of man. Don't tolerate things that Satan loves, go against the grain and live for Christ. It will be the best decision you ever make in your life!!
If you are already a Christian, do you just sit back and tolerate the evil that's going on in this world? Do you allow it to creep into your home, into your life? What are you doing to further the Gospel for Christ? Are you teaching it to your children? Just like Miss Clara says in the movie War Room (which I HIGHLY recommend you seeing):
“Lord, we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers who hate to be lukewarm and will stand on Your Word above all else. Raise ’em up, Lord. Raise them up.”
Thanks for reading. If you are offended, then perhaps I touched a soft spot in your heart. I don't apologize for doing so. I shared this so I can help you understand that your future matters! Eternity is forever. It's your call, where do you want to spend it?
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Bible Quizzing
Zachary has been on our church's Bible quiz team now for 3 years. Each year, he improves just a little bit, but this year he's doing extremely well! We are SO very proud of him. The teens are studying the book of John this year (last year it was I & II Corinthians, two years ago it was Luke, and the year before that, it was Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.) It's such a great thing to see your teenage son walk around the house with the Bible in his hand while studying so intently!!
They had their first quiz meet of the year last weekend and they did pretty well. There weren't many teams there, but they still had a LOT of fun! Here are a few photos:
Zachary, getting in some last minute studying before quizzing begins.
Part of our church team...ready to quiz.
Zachary answering one of the questions. During this particular quiz, he got 3 in a row...woo hoo...way to go Zachary!!!
Jumping for yet another question. Keep in mind, these kids are quick! They hear one word (or actually 'part' of one word) and jump to answer the question before most of us adults would even be able to process it! Ahh, youth!
Here is the team enjoying a bit of fun and games before lunch. These are truly a great group of kids!!! I'm so glad Zachary is enjoying quiz team so much this year.
A few more photos....
I look forward to seeing how the team does this year. Even if they don't win first place like they did last year (at Nationals!!!), they are still #1 in my eyes. These teens are treasuring God's Word as they continue to hide it in their hearts. I pray that Zachary will always keep it with him as he grows into the man God intends for him to be. I'm so proud of him already...can't wait to see how much more he grows over the years.
P.S. Thanks to Coach Mark for a few of the photos above. Most are mine, but I have to give credit where credit is due. =)
They had their first quiz meet of the year last weekend and they did pretty well. There weren't many teams there, but they still had a LOT of fun! Here are a few photos:
Zachary, getting in some last minute studying before quizzing begins.
Part of our church team...ready to quiz.
Zachary answering one of the questions. During this particular quiz, he got 3 in a row...woo hoo...way to go Zachary!!!
Jumping for yet another question. Keep in mind, these kids are quick! They hear one word (or actually 'part' of one word) and jump to answer the question before most of us adults would even be able to process it! Ahh, youth!
Here is the team enjoying a bit of fun and games before lunch. These are truly a great group of kids!!! I'm so glad Zachary is enjoying quiz team so much this year.
A few more photos....
I look forward to seeing how the team does this year. Even if they don't win first place like they did last year (at Nationals!!!), they are still #1 in my eyes. These teens are treasuring God's Word as they continue to hide it in their hearts. I pray that Zachary will always keep it with him as he grows into the man God intends for him to be. I'm so proud of him already...can't wait to see how much more he grows over the years.
P.S. Thanks to Coach Mark for a few of the photos above. Most are mine, but I have to give credit where credit is due. =)
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