Bring on the Rain

Instead of Halloween..

2009-10-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

Halloween is quickly approaching! I wanted to share an article that I wrote last year called "Hell-oween." I already made my own decision not to celebrate this dark holiday five years ago. I remember what a difficult decision this was. Several people thought I was depriving my children of fun times. Yet, every year that I stood firm by my decision, I became stronger.

I definitely don't intend on depriving my children from fun times. We are starting our own traditions and having a fun family day instead. I have been brainstorming and was thinking about doing a "Candy Day." Yet, I'd love some ideas from you guys! What do you do instead of Halloween as a family? Please share :)

Introducing A Voice in the Wilderness!

2009-10-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

It is with excitement that I introduce to you a new website created by my family called "A Voice in the Wilderness." Here is the introduction:

"We address controversial subjects. The views expressed here may offend some people. Our team makes sure that we seek God's guidance first and we search His Word diligently before submitting an article. We share the same hunger for the Word and are being led to explore the deeper subjects of the Bible. If you share the same desire, then this blog is for you."

I would like to invite you to be involved with this brand new ministry, by following us on blogger, adding us on Facebook and Twitter! You will be able to receive updates of new posts! This blog also welcomes any guest writers to submit posts!

We also are creating a Deaf Ministry link (COMING SOON) with videos that have the entries translated in sign language for them!

Come and visit us at VW!

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Isaiah 40:3

A Call to Be Bold

2009-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Who Will Stand?

2009-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

As for some of you who follow me, you may notice that I write things that I am passionate about. I'm passionate about taking stands. I feel it driving me. Two years ago, Id never know that I was passionate about any of this. I know that I can come on strong sometimes, but I feel like crying out in the world.

I want all of you to know that my stand does not come from any hate, but a longing for victory in Christ. I stand for the cause. I stand against the sin. I'm speaking out against politics and the way satan is infiltrating this world. Yet, it is very important not to call out a specific person or bash them. That would lose all purpose because God loves each and every person He created. He loves every one of us and every one of us is a sinner.

Yet, what kind of world will it turn into if no one ever speaks out about sin? What if we never told our children that lying was wrong? That stealing was wrong? God is our Father. He hates sin, He won't accept it, He is just, yet He still loves us and thought of us worthy to die for.

It's not an easy thing to stand up or speak out in this day and age, and it never was either. But, the Bible calls us to rebuke and not to be lukewarm. God and satan are having a full blown out war and Earth is their battlefield. Pick a side, because whoever is standing in the middle will get crushed. It's the worst place to be.

And yes, you will be hated. The Bible says the world will hate you and that it will only love it's own, but we are not of the world. We belong to the Father and we're fighting for His kingdom. The disciples called out sin when they saw it, and they suffered and were killed but great is the glory they will have when Jesus appears.

Show love to every person, but take a stand against the cause, against the sin, and against the enemy. Stand with Christ. The world will crucify us with Him, but we shall rise and have victory with Jesus.

John 15:18,19 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called."
1 Timothy 6:12

Satan in Hollywood

2009-10-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Mike showed me this video of how many hidden symbols of masonic images and luciferian images there are in Hollywood and in popular movies. It's very eye opening and even nauseating. Up until now, I never fully realized how much satan was involved in movies, but then again, it does make sense that he is.

I also recommend doing further research on masons, shriners, luciferians, illuminai and so forth because it's everywhere, even in the white house and even in your neighborhood. The wiser we are, the more we can protect ourselves.

Beginning of Thoughts

2009-10-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I have internet back on, finally. I definitely missed blogging and writing for God. I also missed learning and fellowshipping with you guys. I can't wait to start writing again! I also noticed that I have thoughts here and there that say enough instead of writing long passages everytime. I'd like to start posting simple, brief thoughts here and I'd love your input.

Here is my first one.

I was sitting last night and it occurred to me that another reason to prove that God does not have a mother (ex. holy mother of God, etc) is because He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the beginning and end. God was never created or conceived by anyone before Him.

At Last

2009-10-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

Here is something special that I wanted to share.

When I was sixteen years old, I was obsessed with the song called "At Last" by Etta James. It was my favorite love song and I would listen to it over and over. To me, it spoke the words and captured my dream of finding the true one I was destined to be with.

One day, I prayed and asked God that when I am with the one that He has chosen for me, then He could play the song "At Last," unexpectedly out of the blue while the one was in my presence. I held onto that ideal for a few years until my friends and family said I couldn't ask God for a sign like that. I was finally convinced that I couldn't really ask that from God and I let that go.

As Mike and I were driving from New York to Indiana to get married (although he proposed on the Empire State building on Friday, we had planned to marry that Monday), he asked me to pull out a burned cd from a pile. I put the CD in and suddenly I recognized the song. It was "At Last," and it had caught me unexpectedly. I had no idea he burned the CD for me and he only knew I liked Etta James and some oldies. "At Last" was the very first song that came on.

At first I was stunned and quiet. I kept speaking to God in my mind, and just in awe. God had finally confirmed it for me and brought me the one He had chosen for me. I was humbled he fulfilled an old romantic request I made as a teenager.

After the song was over, I turned down the music and tried to tell Mike what had just happened but I kept choking back tears. I knew Mike was the one, but God confirmed it far more than I ever expected. I hold to that always, that he brought me the one. At last my love has come along and life is like a song.

Happily Engaged <3

2009-09-26T17:35:00.001-07:00

I flew to Long Island to see Mike recently. He planned a trip to New York City for us to go sight-seeing. I was thrilled since I always had wanted to see New York City! It's one of the places I have never been.

The city was unlike anything Ive ever seen, and it was an amazing day! Mike arranged for us to go to the Empire State Building together! I thought it was so romantic since I love watching "Sleepless in Seattle" and "An Affair to Remember." It was exciting to see the building, but there was a more exciting surprise waiting for me.

When we were at the top, Mike handed me a letter that he wrote February of this year. It was a beautiful letter that expressed his love and he held onto it the entire time for this moment. After I finished reading it, he knelt down on his knee and opened a ring box. He asked me if I would marry him!

I remember feeling flooded with such awe and joy, and I hugged him and said of course I will :)

I put on the beautiful ring and it fit perfectly on my finger (gee I wonder how he knew my size). It was the most perfect proposal and I couldn't ask for anything more special or memorable. I kept trying to remember every detail on the train ride home so I wouldn't forget.

This engagement will be very short considering we will be married in two days! Please pray for God to place our marriage upon his foundation and for it to be a successful and joyful marriage filled with love. Here are some pictures, and I will be posting wedding pictures soon!!!

Should We Take Any Credit?

2009-09-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

I was having a discussion with my sister this morning over coffee. I brought up one thing has bothered me before and I've seen it happen in some places that I've been. I've sat in churches and watched people keep score on how many "souls they've won" that day, week or year. They also say that "I've led this person to the Lord," or "I got this person saved today." I started realizing more and more over time that we really have nothing to do with getting a person saved.

Note:I want to make it clear that I am not writing so that we may do nothing, but to fully grasp that it is all from God, his power and not of ourselves. We seek to earn points of righteousness, or take credit for a person's salvation. Is it really ours to begin with?

Here's a short passage from the Bible that reveals how it works.

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:6,7

Who can really keep score or take credit for a person's salvation? Only God. We never actually lead anyone to the Lord. God has spent their entire lives leading them to this point. It's a humbling privilege when the Lord brings his lost and seeking sheep to speak to us about Him. But we are only a tool that God decides to use.

There are also programs in churches called "soulwinning." It reminds me of a contest or a game. There are also classes offered to help us become skilled soulwinners. Do we really need a class to teach us how to sell Christ to people? It seems manipulative. Isn't Christ and all he has to offer sufficient in itself alone? I took that class once and I thought it was no different than my public speaking and business classes at a public college.

Were the disciples bible college graduates? Were they skilled public speakers that went soulwinning in a suit with a Bible under their arm? None of them were. The Bible says they were uneducated, lowly fishermen who spoke with such power that those who heard knew they were with Jesus. That's the power of God and He will lead us to stand and speak for Him.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

We may say awesome things, but we will never be able to save that person. That is because only God's Spirit is able to transform and turn their hearts. We may knock on a thousand doors, but unless God destined us to meet that person, we will never save anyone. Ever notice that when a person is saved, their hearts have already been changing in the palm of God's hands? He then brings them to their knees.

Let us rejoice with God as he rejoices in the presence of His angels!

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10

So, should we take any credit? No. We'll be laying our crowns at His feet at the end. That's because we'll know it was Him all along. Glory to our King!

A Long and Overdue Update!

2009-09-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Here's the scoop! I know it's been so long since Ive posted anything. I miss blogging so much and keeping up with all of you! I am in the process of moving! My life is going to be making BIG changes in the next two weeks! I'll be writing about all of it and I should be getting internet soon! I can't wait to share everything! Love you all and I hope everyone has been well! *Mwah*

from, Charlene

My Mother's Wedding <3

2009-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to congratulate my mother on finally finding love and happiness. God blessed her with a wonderful man who truly loves her. I welcome George to our (crazy) family and hope God blesses their marriage in abundance for all the days yet to come!! Our family gathered together at a very small and intimate wedding on September 8th to celebrate their marriage! Congrats to Mom and George! We love you!! Here are pictures down below!!

Mom and George with me and Landon, my oldest son!

Arent the boys cute?? My nephew Cody, Landon and Brady, my two little boys!

The whole family! Including my sister Martha and her husband Adam!

<3

Meeting Mikey <3

2009-08-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

I finally got to meet Mike, aka Tranquillity, in person after knowing him for a year and a half. He has been such an amazing boyfriend and I love him! It was definitely a blessing to finally meet him. We spent a week together in California and visited San Francisco and Vallejo! The kids totally had a blast with Mike too and their blog shows what they did with him, CLICK HERE. I'm blessed that God brought him in my life and I never thought I'd meet someone with all the same passions, values and beliefs that I have. God looked down and saw two people on opposite sides of the continent and matched them together. It's amazing how He works! Thanks for such an amazing week Mikey! _\m /

The Biblical Truth About Hell

2009-07-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have been studying something amazing with Mike, aka Tranquility for a while now. God has truly shown him something wonderful. He kept feeling led to do a search for the truth about what the Bible refers to as "Hell." I am so proud of him for seeking the Lord about this and being willing to stand for such a controversial subject.

Have you ever wondered about Hell? Did you know that Hell has five different Greek and Hebrew definitions for one English word? All of them mean something different too! We all have been taught there's a huge, fiery inferno that bad people go to. Did you know there's so much more to it than we imagined?

If you're like us and love to seek and dig for his Word and truth, I recommend going to Mike's blog! He wrote several amazing posts about hell and he lists TONS of scripture and definitions. I encourage all of you to read and decide for yourselves. I also ask all of you to seek the Lord first and ask him to guide you.

INTRODUCTION

BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT HELL PT1

BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT HELL PT2

This has been revolutionary for me personally. It also has taught me more in depths about God's true character and the depths of his mercy. Keep searching for the truth my friends. His Word is more endless than the skies and deeper than the sea!

Dissecting the Rich Man and Lazarus Parable

2009-07-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

For some reason, the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man told by Jesus Christ has been on my mind for several weeks. I keep looking at it over and over. There's something about it that we are missing. What is this Parable?

I was taught that this was a true event that had already taken place. Jesus was telling people what had already happened. Yet, I don't think so anymore. I've been finding scriptures to prove this. Let's dissect this together.

*Note: This is my own perspective and views of this parable. I will provide scriptures to prove my points, to show how they match. If you see more in this Parable, please share and provide scriptures. This Parable is in Luke, chapter 16, from verses 19 to 31.

The Rich Man in the Parable was shown to be enjoying his wealth and luxuries of the world. I believe he represents those who love the world and their possessions. (v19)

Lazarus was a poor beggar who suffered and had nothing in his life. He was a leper and the dogs licked his sores. I believe that he represents the resurrection, as the real Lazarus rose from the dead. *(note: there are two different Lazarus in the Bible)* (v20, 21)

The Rich Man died and was buried (v22)

Lazarus was carried by Angels (v22)

The fact that Lazarus was carried by Angels proves this wasn't a past event, but a future event that has not happened yet. The Bible says that God will send his angels to the four corners of the Earth to gather his elect on the LAST DAY. The Harvest is at the end of the World. (References: Rev 7:1-3, Matthew 13:39)

The Rich Man was in torments (which mean sorrow in Greek) and he was in Hell (which is "Hades" in the original Greek, which means grave). The Rich Man is in death. (v23, 24)

The consumed tongue represents death. (v24)
Another interpretation of the tongue is cotton-mouth which comes with fear.

Lazarus was not in death nor in the grave. He is in LIFE. (v23)

The Greek translation for "in this Flame" is more accurately, "by reason of this flame."

There is a gulf between life and death that no one has ever crossed, except Christ Jesus. He crossed from death into life everlasting. When we have Christ, we shall cross over from death into life everlasting. The graves cannot hold us, and death has no victory over us! (v26)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Why is Lazarus cradled in Abraham's Bosom? I wondered about that. Abraham was comforting him and he appears as a fatherly figure. What does that mean? Oh! When we have faith on Jesus Christ, we become the seed of Abraham, and the children of promise! (v22)

"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." (Galatians 3:7,8)

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)

Why did the Rich Man ask Abraham to send Lazarus unto his brothers so they may believe? (v27-31) The Rich Man thought his family would believe if Lazarus went up to them because he is alive now. He has risen from the dead. Abraham is also risen at this point, because right now Abraham is dead in the grave.

Is the Rich Man alive in the grave? No, that is why this is a parable that illustrates Jesus' point. When the dead die, they have no remembrance, no thoughts. The Rich man is in sorrow because he is dead and cannot be in life. Is he really speaking aloud? No. (references: Psalm 146:3-4, Ecc 9:5, Psalm 115:17, Psalm 6:5)

Jesus used many parables to speak to his disciples, and this is one of them.

"And with many such parables spoke He the Word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spoke he not unto them; and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." Mark 4:33-34.

I also received this link in the mail from Tranquility, and this is very good! If you are interested in this subject in the depths with scriptures, then visit this website! CLICK HERE

Signing for Him

2009-07-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

While I've been at home without the internet, I went through my photo album and found a picture from my talent show days. I was also inspired recently by a wonderful video I watched on YouTube by a deaf pastor that worshiped the Lord with his hands in sign language. I decided that I'd share that part of my life with you all.

I started attending the county talent show when I was ten years old. I was encouraged by my teacher aide, Mrs.Elder, to perform songs in sign language. I fell in love with it and performed every year until I was 17. There was nothing like being on stage in the dark with the spotlight, the sweet anxiety before the curtains opened and knowing you had an audience somewhere in the dark. I love expressing music through my hands. I'd do anything for just one more chance to perform again.

(Me and Jenn, 1995)

I took some videos to show you guys an example with my digital camera in my living room. The first song is called "Ten Thousand Angels Cried" by Leann Rimes. I performed it for my church when I was young. This is one of my favorite songs to perform for churches.

This is the song that won me the grand prize at the talent show for my final year. I performed "Light Up My Life" by Leann Rimes. I did Disney songs growing up, but for my last year, I performed a more mature and romantic song.

And I wanted to share that I love to sing (by myself, lol), but that signing with my hands to worship is the same feeling as singing. I may use my hands, but it comes out from the same place in my heart. I thank God that He allowed me to be able to understand the words in the songs after I memorize them and the ability to follow along with the words. How awesome that we can use different ways to worship the Lord, and even enjoy "visual" music!

The Shadow of Things to Come: Baptism

2009-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

In the Bible, we can see how God used physical examples of what was yet to come spiritually. Those things were called, the shadow of things to come. They are physical examples of what is now spiritual.

While there are many examples, the one that I will give in more detail about today is baptism.

The physical baptism of those who were plunged into the water was called “John’s Baptism” or “the Baptism of John.” I believe we needed to have physical examples to understand what the spiritual ones really mean.

The baptism of John the Baptist was a shadow of things to come. We see in the physical, water baptism that the person was dunked in the water, and as the person is under water, they symbolically bury the “old man.” Then as that person comes out of the water, they are raised a new man unto Christ who now walks in the Spirit.

This is the same illustration, but this is done in the Spirit. Water does not really hold any power. Many will agree that a water baptism is only symbolic. I am here to tell you that there is a real baptism of the Spirit where we die to self. We bury the “old man” and receive a new life in Christ. We now walk in the Spirit and not the flesh anymore. The flesh is just dead weight and baggage to our Spiritual man. When we allow our carnal, sinful self to die, then we are truly born again.

“ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 PETER 1:23

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." ROMANS 6:10, 11

We see in the New Testament that Jesus Christ fulfilled all righteousness and he was baptized so that we may receive his perfect life in our place. He fulfilled all things that needed to be fulfilled. Christ then put us in HIS place, and took our place on the sinner’s cross. When the Father sees us, he will see Jesus Christ in us and his perfect righteousness.

We see a lot of water baptisms continuing today, but there isn’t very many that teach about the true baptism of the Spirit. In the New Testament after Jesus Christ fulfilled all things physical, he then gave us the new spiritual way. We now have a spiritual temple within us, and not one made of bricks and stone. We have the first fruits fulfilled in Christ (article coming soon). We have the law fulfilled and now we have grace. We now have a Spiritual baptism, not of water anymore but of the LIVING WATER.

There is only ONE baptism now, and that is the baptism of the Spirit.

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism,” EPHESIANS 4:5

Paul and the others went to seek after the other disciples to tell them of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They had not heard about it yet and were only baptized with John’s baptism (which was of water and repentance), but now that the Messiah had already come and fulfilled all things, there was now a spiritual baptism they did not know about. Paul went to help them realize there was a new Spiritual baptism that they needed to be a part of. (Read Acts 19:1-4)

“For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” ACTS 1:5

How do we receive the Holy Spirit? SisterLisa showed me this good verse and it shows that we are to ask the Father for the Holy Spirit.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” LUKE 11:13

What do we see happen AFTER those people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? This passage explains it well.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. MATTHEW 16:16-20

Some false preachers will teach that signs and works of God are dormant, or that they are not for this present time, or only for Apostles. The Bible says these signs shall follow them who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who are truly baptized, and the Lord shall be with them. They will be able to do these miraculous things. God gave us this to use for his glory and we are taught they don’t exist anymore. That is not true! Jesus said that there are greater works we shall do! (John 14:12).

As I study the Bible more, I'm seeing that God has given us the spiritual things. Why do we keep searching for the physical things? He is beyond that. It is our carnal nature to seek things we can see and touch. God is none of those things. We will find Him in the Spirit and be able to walk with him in the Spirit alone.

A Hello!

2009-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I am still without internet. I miss all of you! SisterLisa has been kind to allow me to use her computer. I have some blogs scheduled for a post every few days. Thanks for teaching me how to do that Jess :) Hope you're all doing well! I miss blogging, and reading all of your blogs!

Letting Everyone Know,

2009-07-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

My internet isn't working and it's down because of some technical issues. It's been down since Monday and Im not sure when it'll be up and running again! Hopefully sooner than later! I'll be back to catch up! Miss you all already! from, Charlene

A Challenge from Beth in NC!

2009-06-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Beth in NC challenged me to do a fun thing by posting the sixth picture in my sixth file folder.

Is that a rabbit? Well no, that's me being silly. I can be silly. All you have to do is dangle a carrot in front of me and this just comes out. >:B

Oh uh, don't mind the laundry pile on the couch. It's only been there uh, 2 days. I'll get to it eventually!

And I'm supposed to tag five victims.. er, people :D

Each of you are supposed to show the 6th photo in your 6th folder -- then pass along to 5 other friends.

My Five Very Lucky Victims are.. ((drumroll))

1. Mikey at Be of Good Cheer
2. Martha at Fly Away Birdie
3. SisterLisa at Home Spun Life
4. Jessica at Pages of My Heart
5. Krystal at Krystal's Rants

.......*(hops away)*

A Revelation About Baptism

2009-06-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting things about this whole experience is how God keeps giving me (and others around me) revelations about the truth that is in his Word. It is outside of everything we have ever been taught and "indoctrinated" with. Truth is at the very source, from the Spirit of God himself speaking to us with his Word. It's enthralling to have the Living God moving inside of us and revealing things to us that our finite and carnal minds cannot grasp on it's own.

I attended two organic church gatherings and bible studies this week. A question was raised by some people asking about baptism. Personally, I never questioned baptism. I grew up with the belief that after we are saved, we go to be baptized with water to represent our new life in Christ. We die, leave our flesh in the water, and we are born again in the spirit.

But someone recently questioned this verse saying there is only one baptism:

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"Ephesians 4:5.

Okay, so?

But the bible speaks of two baptisms, one of water and one of the Spirit.

But that's two kinds of baptism, and the Bible says there's only one! We know the Bible doesn't contradict itself, so there must be an explanation.

And there is.

John the Baptist was a prophet of repentance. He preached repentance in the wilderness and baptized many in the water. When Jesus came to him to be baptized, John was stunned and said,

"I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" Matthew 3:14

Imagine, the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God coming and asking YOU to baptize him. Who is worthy? Yet, Jesus replied:

"Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15

Jesus Christ said this needed to be done for now, because he has come to fulfill all righteousness!

Jesus Christ walked a perfect man on this Earth and fulfilled ALL LAWS. He ALSO fulfilled righteousness. He fulfilled BAPTISM!!!

Now there is one baptism, which is the one of the Spirit.

When the guards put a spear through the body of Christ on the cross, it sprinkled blood AND water mixed TOGETHER (John 19:34). We are baptized of Christ in blood AND water, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John baptized with water, but Jesus Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost! (John 1:26, 33)

All physical things have been done away, and now Christ has brought spiritual things. Christ tore down the physical sanctuaries and created a spiritual temple within us by fulfilling the law. Christ fulfilled the physical water baptism and created a spiritual baptism by fulfilling righteousness.

Water is also an illustration of the spirit in the Bible. John 7:38, 39 reveal this.

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified."

We are now baptized with the living water, which is the Spirit of God.

Behold, Jesus Christ has made all things new. Praise HIS name!!

613 Laws of Torah Has Been Fulfilled!

2009-06-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Some of you follow me on Facebook and have witnessed that I have lost a friendship with a Sister in Christ over disagreements about the law. It's been difficult, because we do love and care for her and her family. I will remember them in my prayers, and think fond things of them, but I must still stand for the truth.

The Truth Is: If we choose to follow the law, we are choosing to have a yoke of bondage. We are choosing to reject grace, and then Jesus Christ has died in vain. He fulfilled the law while he walked on Earth and his death brought us liberty.

Jesus Christ followed the 613 laws of the Torah completely. He perfected the laws while he walked on Earth as a man. When we receive him as our Saviour, we are receiving his perfect righteousness. Jesus Christ took our place and received our punishments. We traded places with him and became heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. When the Father looks at us, he sees his Son in us. He sees Christ's righteousness in us! He sees all 613 laws of the Torah completed in us!

I was driving this afternoon and worshiping God. I was in awe of Him and I told Him that I have nothing to offer. I have failed. When we break one law, we're guilty of breaking them all. Even at my best, I am not good enough.

If we were good enough, we wouldn't need Christ. We wouldn't need him to leave Heaven and die for us. We wouldn't need a Saviour.

I need Him.

When I try,
I'm still gonna fail,
All my righteousness
Is worthy of hell
You looked down and saw me dying, Lord
You came down from Heaven with love
And you took my place
And you took my place
You died the sinner's death for me
And you let me take your place
And you let me take your place
And now the Father sees the Son in me
by, Charlene

The Question that Changed My Life!

2009-06-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

I received this in a forward. It was an amazing read and I thought it was worthy to share. Please pass this on too!

THE QUESTION that CHANGED MY LIFE
-by David Ryser.

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school
of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly
searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with
Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across
a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short
version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:

Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece
and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution;
it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and
became an enterprise. Some of the students were only 18 or 19
years old--barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand
and appreciate the import of the last line, so I clarified it by adding,
"An enterprise. That's a business." After a few moments Martha,
the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not
imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was
self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless,
I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha." She asked
such a simple question, "A business? But isn't it supposed to be
a body?" I could not envision where this line of questioning was going,
and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued,
"But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"

The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or
spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the
presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were
on holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was,
"Wow, I wish I'd thought of that." I didn't dare express that thought
aloud. God had taken over the class.

Martha's question changed my life. For six months, I thought about
her question at least once every day. "When a body becomes a
business, isn't that a prostitute?" There is only one answer to her
question. The answer is "Yes." The American Church, tragically,
is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we
love Him? We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him.

... I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not
know God--much less love Him. The root of this condition originates
in how we came to God. Most of us came to Him because of what
we were told He would do for us. We were promised that He would
bless us in life and take us to heaven after death. We married Him
for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies as long as we
can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God into a business,
merchandising His anointing. This should not be. We are commanded
to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ--that's pretty
intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers. How can we love
someone we don't even know? And even if we do know someone,
is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or
prostitutes?

I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered
the question, "What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?"
I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does
what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but
only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, "What would
happen if God stopped paying me?"

For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover
my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of
God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He
never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him? Please
understand, I believe in the promises and blessings of God. The
issue here is not whether God blesses His children; the issue is
the condition of my heart. Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings
in my life the gifts of a loving Father, or are they a wage that I have
earned or a bribe/payment to love Him? Do I love God without any
conditions? It took several months to work through these questions.
Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched by
my attitude and behavior. I still catch myself being disappointed
with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in
my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved,
but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.

So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute?
There are no prostitutes in heaven, or in the Kingdom of God for
that matter, but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both
places. Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no
substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I
mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another
look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.

-Dr. David Ryser.

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An Amazing Website for Roman Catholics!

2009-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

I read this amazing entry by Tranquility, whom I have learned so much from and hold in such high respect! He spent years studying about this topic concerning the Roman Catholic Church. He just spent literally the entire day writing this amazing post called "The Lord Jesus Christ vs The Roman Catholic Church!" Click on the link to read about this and he has covered it in great depth and detail. This is also a wonderful link to give to your Catholic friends that you care about.

I recommend this wonderful site!

Right Motives or Satan's Tool?

2009-06-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Wow...

I read this and it just struck me hard. I have to share it with everyone. This is SO important too. Many of us have heard this story about the conversation between Jesus and Peter. It was never clear to me why Jesus rebuked Satan in Peter when he was saying something that seemed caring. Read this!! (Copied & Pasted)

-----------------------------------------------

Matthew 16:13-23 is a dialogue between Jesus, Peter and Satan.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of thes aring God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not REVEALED IT unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on eart youall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Matthew 16:13-23

In verse 17, Peter had a direct revelation from God - " . . .for flesh and blood hath not REVEALED it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Again, notice God "REVEALED" it unto Peter.

Notice what happens in verse 23, just seven verses later. Jesus addresses Peter as Satan! Satan had completely taken over Peter. God, the Father was communicating directly to Peter in verse 17 and in verse 23, Satan had completely taken over Peter!

But what is really interesting is Peter's motive.

As Jesus began in verse 21 to tell how He would be crucified, verse 22 reads, "Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee."

Peter's motive was his LOVE FOR THE LORD JESUS! He did not want Jesus to be crucified. And even though Peter's motive was RIGHT - when he got out of the will of God - Satan COMPLETELY TOOK OVER. You can have the RIGHT motive (even love for the Lord Jesus Christ!) and be completely WRONG! Even to the point of under the control of Satan.

Sincerity, and even love, is no substitute for the WILL OF GOD.

Let me say that again. . .

Sincerity, and even love, is no substitute for the WILL OF GOD.

*I read this from http://www.av1611.org/crock/crockex2.html that exposes false Christian bands. Read more for amazing information.*
------------------------------------------------------

So many of us may have a heart with good intentions, wanting to please God, to follow him and do more for him. Satan EASILY takes that and uses it for his will, and not God's. We all need to make sure we are SO CAREFUL about this!! Don't let Satan move you off the mark even by a small degree, because down the road, the slight change in degree becomes wider, and WIDER and we've realized that we've gone too far.

How to Dig for Treasure

2009-06-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Bible tells us to dig in his Word like hidden treasure. It is more valuable than gold!

Here are some tips to really dig deeper into the Word of God. The Bible is like a jigsaw puzzle, and the pieces are ALL OVER the Bible, in both the OT and NT. Every verse has layers, and it leads to a bigger picture. The Bible can be the most exciting and exhilarating book you'll ever read!

Tip #1: Find Keywords. Each word is a key to a bigger piece of the puzzle. Track it down all over the Bible and list it.

Tip #2: Get the Greek and Hebrew translation. The grammar is structured differently, but you can find the real and accurate definitions to the word. Sometimes the English word can have three or four different Greek words and meanings to the same word.

Tip #3: Get a concordance and find all the references to the verse you want to learn more deeply.

Tip #4: Once we unlock a piece to the puzzle, we'll find MORE puzzle pieces and trails! So write down what you have learned in a journal, and categorize it.

Tip #5: Most importantly of all.. Pray for God to reveal his truth to you. Only he can lift the veil off our eyes and make his Word manifest to us. It is the living Word, and it leaves 'wise' men of the world dumbfounded. The carnal mind cannot perceive it, only the spirit can.

In our group, when we bible study together, we have several books open all at once at the table. We have the KJV open, the Geneva Bible open (has amazing and historical notes from Puritans that were martyred and persecuted for hundreds of years), The Greek and Hebrew translation, Strong's Concordance, and a dictionary.

Happy Hunting!!!

My Prayer Drive

2009-06-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is to take a prayer drive. I especially love to take those during the sunset in a summer evening, or during thunderstorms. I live on the outskirts of town and it's a quiet area by the mountains. I don't live very far from a road that has miles of endless fields and farms. I took some pictures with my phone so the quality isn't very good. These pictures only give a glimpse of the vivid colors of the skies, the vast and endless fields, the cows and horses grazing the grass, and the magical feel of old, rugged barns. I recommend taking prayer drives because it is such a rich way to worship our Saviour while being in awe of his creation and wonder.

Stranger in a Photograph

2009-06-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

"Stranger in a Photograph"
Dedicated to my Sister @;-->--

You've robbed me of my worth
As a woman, and as your wife
She's just a girl
That you've never met
You don't know her name
She's a stranger in a photograph
And you've let her take my place

You say it has nothing to do with me
But it has everything to do with me
You left me out
Right where I should have been
And you let someone else in
(In your heart, in your mind)
She was the one you were thinking of
And it wasn't me,
And it wasn't me

Remember when I was your forever girl
Will I ever be enough for you?
I was created for you by the hand of God
A woman made for this man
I'm meant to be
Just what you need
Why won't you let me?
Cause I don't wanna share you anymore baby
Cause you're supposed to be mine
But I don't feel that way

Let me love you freely
Without fear of pain
There's so much we're missing out on Darling
If only it was that way
If only you could see
How much it hurts me
And try to understand
My worth is all in the eyes
of the man I love

by Charlene, 06/10/2009

Check Out AGM's Newest Articles!

2009-06-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Come and check out AGM's newest articles! SisterLisa has been writing many amazing posts! She is writing about the profound things we have learned during the past three months! What a revelation from Christ! Be sure to visit Apples of Gold Ministries today!

Children of the Promise

2009-06-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

One night, Jessica and I were bible studying together. She showed me this passage she found in Galatians. She had read this entire book of Galatians the night before, how awesome! She found this amazing analogy about law and grace in the story of Abraham. WORTH READING!!

READ Galatians 4:22-31

²²For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

²³But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

²⁴Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

²⁵For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

²⁶But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

²⁷For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

²⁸Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

²⁹But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

³⁰Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

³¹So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Abraham = Father of the Children of Promise
Sarah= Free woman which represents Grace.
Hagar = Bondwoman which represents Law
Ishmael= Flesh
Isaac= Spirit.

The flesh and the spirit war with each other. Eventually, the flesh must depart. The free woman and her son is the heir to the promise God has given to us. Cast out the bondage under the law, and the flesh. They will not be the heirs to the promise.

What a beautiful passage, and we know that everything that happened was a shadow of things to come, and everything is about Christ!

At the Last Day

2009-06-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

I am going to throw some verses in here without telling you what I think it means. I'd rather you share what YOU think it means. You don't need to hear me tell you what it means, God can speak to you himself. It is in his Word. I'll just ask some questions what you think God is telling you.

*"Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." John 11:24

*"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." John 6:39

*"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40

*"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. " John 6:44

*"Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:54

The Bible mentions the "last day" multiple times. What is the last day? What does it mean that he will raise us up at the last day?

A Glimpse into our Homeschooling Adventures!

2009-06-03T07:49:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

I can freely come out and announce that I do homeschool both of my boys! Their father has given us his blessing which is a joyful miracle to me!! I have been learning about homeschooling for several months. This is my first year, and I am still learning!! Any advice and tips would be appreciated!!

I enjoy spending quality of time with Landon (age 4) and Brady (age 2). We have a wonderful bond. I enjoy the liberty in homeschooling and teaching them wisdom in life as well as education. This is the most natural way to go, and God designed teachers in parents. As I give Landon and Brady back to God, I want to lift them above my head. I want to teach them everything I know, and teach them how to go on ahead of me.

From Nature walks and picnics in the park...

to enjoying music together...

to hands on activities...

and quiet time readings.

Homeschooling is fun!!!

Churches and Cults

2009-05-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

I was shown this list a little while back and I kept reading it. It made me think a lot. Many of us call other churches a cult, or we may even hear others call our church a cult. What is a cult? That is something we really need to check with because those who are in a cult don't even know they are in a cult. This does not apply to all who read this, but it is something we need to know to protect ourselves.

Growing in Grace Magazine also listed a wonderful article about the "Culture of Cults." CLICK HERE to read their article!

What do Churches and Cults Have in Common?

Adapted from The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen

[There are] seven characteristics which can be found in most spiritually abusive systems.

Power Posturing
The leaders spend a lot of time focusing on their own authority and reminding others of it as well. This is a necessary trait in such a system because their spiritual authority isn't real or genuine so it has to be postured if there is to be any. The leader subtly replaces Christ or God over one's conscience. A church leader or pastor might say: "In this flock, I'm the chief shepherd!" Such an attitude really assumes the place reserved only for the King of Kings. Christ is the Chief Shepherd and the head of the church. Unhealthy, authoritative leadership encourages people to put their leaders on a pedestal. This type of leader is eager to place people under them and under their word, under their authority.

Performance Preoccupation
In an abusive spiritual system, those running such a system will be preoccupied with the performance of their members: worthiness = performance (often perfectionism).This system doesn't really foster holiness or obedience to God, it merely accommodates the leaders' interpretation of spirituality and his/her need for control. "Out of context, obedience to leaders looks like good theology. Add the larger context and you will see that it is only appropriate to obey and submit to leadership when their authority is from God and their stance is consistent with His" (The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, p. 66). It is not to be lorded over them.

Unspoken Rules
These are rules which govern unhealthy churches or families but are not formally stated or written. Since they are not spoken verbally, you do not find out that the rule(s) exist until you have broken one.The unspoken rule may come across like this: Do not disagree with the church authorities, especially the pastor, or your loyalty will be suspect. Silence becomes the fortress wall of protection, shielding the pastor's power position from scrutiny or challenge. Of the unspoken rules, the “can't talk” rule is probably the most powerful. The thinking of this rule is: The real problem can not be exposed because then it would have to be dealt with and things would have to change, so it must be protected behind walls or silence (neglect or by assault, legalistic attack). If you speak about the problem out loud, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. In some way you must be silenced or eliminated. A good example of this “can't talk” rule would be the phrase, “touch not the Lord's anointed.” According to John Avanzini, Dr. Walter Martin (a cult apologetic expert) died because he spoke out against some of the Word-Faith teachers and their messages (John Avanzini with Paul Crouch, Spring 1990 Praise-a-thon, broadcast on Trinity Broadcast Network).Speaking up or against spiritual abuse is not the problem. The real problem is if a Christian who feels violated stops talking, then the perpetrator will never be held accountable for his behavior.

Lack of Balance
Many times this characteristic shows up in one extreme or another in trying to live out the truth of Christian life. The first extreme is that of extreme objectivism, which elevates objective truth to the exclusion of valid subjective experience. This can be seen in those whose religious systems theologically acknowledge the Holy Spirit's work but on a practical level appears to ignore Him. All too often this type of extreme limits God to act only those ways we can explain or understand. The second extreme is that of extreme subjectivism, which is deciding what is true based upon feelings and experiences rather than what the Bible teaches. In such a system, people are led to believe that they cannot understand Scriptural truths until the leaders receive them by spiritual revelation from the Lord and impart them to the people.

Paranoia
When the church or family is spiritually abusive, there will be a sense (spoken or unspoken) that "others will not understand what we're about so let's not let them know, that way they won't be able to ridicule or persecute us."In such a system persecution-sensitivity builds a case for keeping everything within the system. The reason is that the evil, dangerous or unspiritual people outside the system are trying to weaken or destroy "us." They go on to say, "This mentality builds a strong wall or bunker around the abusive system, isolates the abusers from scrutiny and accountability, making it more difficult for people to leave because they will then be outside too."

Misplaced Loyalty
In a spiritually abusive system, a misplaced sense of loyalty is fostered and even demanded, loyalty, not to Christ but to an organization, church or leader. Because authority is assumed or legislated, and therefore not real, following must be legislated as well. Included in this is the attitude that "we alone are right,” something the leadership projects. So many groups have this in common. When Hobart Freeman began Faith Assembly (not associated with the Assemblies of God) loyalty to him and his teachings were to be accepted without question.
In such a spiritually abusive system, manipulation certainly takes place, especially in the area of dating and marriage. [Some] leaders of groups keep members in check by forbidding them to date [or controlling whom they may date and when and for how long, and whom they may marry].

Secretive
There is no reason to hide what is appropriate, only what is inappropriate. When you see people in a religious system being secretive, WATCH OUT!Perhaps one reason spiritually abusive families and churches are secretive is because they are so image conscious. People in these systems cannot even live up to their own performance standards so they have to hide what is real.

Taken from Clete Hux’s adaptation, Posted on: 05/01/2003
Category: Cults / Sects / Non Christian Religions and Topics
Source: CCN

http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=681

Concerning Home Church part 3

2009-05-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is the final conclusion of the little series I have about home churches. This is the third part. If you'd like to see the first, CLICK HERE or the second, CLICK HERE. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it has only encouraged you to feel comfortable with home churches. It seems new and radical to many of us, yet I am here to prove that it is very old, but yes, still radical! Hah!

I am also recommending two books that are really informative and interesting concerning churches and "organized" religion. One is called Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and the other one is called Beyond Radical. It shows a historical depth of how each organized section of church originated, and it's true origins. Very eye opening.

Here, I begin and conclude with this:

Who is the Body of Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Key Points:

-There is one body, many members, different purposes.
-Jew, Gentile, Bond, Free, ALL in one Spirit.
-Each member needs to contribute, all is necessary.
(have churches become a one man show?)
-Members are to care for one another and suffer with one another.
-Each member has a gift from God to contribute.

*Question: Did God reveal his Word to one man to write one book, or many men into 66 books for the Bible?

"Now ye are the Body of Christ and members in particular." 1 Corinthians 12:27

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16

The Body of Christ needs to be a living sacrifice, holy and unconfirmed to this world. Read Romans 12:1-2.

There is ONE body, not by denomination or building. Read Ephesians 4:4-6.

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers." Acts 2:42.

The Liberty that is in Christ

2009-05-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

There has been a struggle with Christians, and even myself, to grasp the whole concept of grace and how it is separate from the law. Many of us can get the wrong conception. We either think we receive salvation through Christ but seek righteousness from following the law, or we think that since we are saved, we can do whatever we want.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the law, and it was fulfilled once and for all (Matthew 5:17 and Luke 24:44). The law of sacrifices, sanctuary, tithes, mainly ceremonial laws focused on forgiveness of sins and that was fulfilled by Christ. Hebrews 9 is a great glance at that, with the old way and the new way. He became our high priest, created a sanctuary within us, shed his blood to cease the animal sacrifices. In fulfilling the law, he took it’s place instead of canceling it. When we receive him, we are also receiving the fulfillment of the law in Christ,without works of ourselves.

The commandments are the standards of right and wrong, and they are not void. They are separate from the ceremonial laws, because Christ became our salvation. He was born under the law and walked in the law until the time came for his death to bring the fulfillment. He couldn't change the law until AFTER he died. He completed the law in perfection, and became the law. When we choose to live under the law, we will become bound by them. We have liberty in Christ, otherwise his death would have been in vain.

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:21

If you're still trying to be righteous through the law:

Remember, our righteousness are as filthy rags. There is nothing we can even present before God to be worth anything. Absolutely nothing. Our highest level of self- righteousness still puts a gulf between us and the righteousness in Christ.

The Bible says that if we seek justification through the law, then we are fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4)

The Bible warns us to be entangled under the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:2 shows that if we follow the law, then Christ will profit us nothing.

And we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ, and by the works of the law, no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

The Bible warns us about the trappings of the enemy who tries to get us to believe we must follow the law to be righteous, and it is not from God. read Galatians 5:8.

Beware of legalism in seeking justification in the law. Even though many of us believe in salvation through the blood of Jesus, we may live otherwise.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalism_(theology)

Yet, do not abuse the liberty we have in Christ.

We are not called unto liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but to love and serve one another and all the law is fulfilled in this. Read Galatians 5:13,14.

*Big thanks to Mike for helping me with this!!! His blog is HERE.

Concerning Home Church part 2

2009-05-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

I am writing segments at a time about home churches also known as the organic church. This is the second part. If you would like to go to the first part, then CLICK HERE.

I will share some of my new experiences. I have been meeting at two different homes for church. I go to one on Wednesday where there are about 15 to 20 adults gathered together (and children as well) and I also go to one on Saturdays because that is the day we rest and observe Sabbath. We also find ourselves eager to get into the Word more, and gather together Monday nights for Bible Study and fellowship.

I have also learned about how we are a body of Christ, and that there is only one head. The body is many parts, and members with a different purpose yet we all contribute. Every member is different, but none is above one another (1 Peter 5:3). The Lord has requested us to be examples and appointed Godly men to be Elders and for women to be examples and mentors as in Titus 2. We are all to be accountable to one another.

Yet, there is only one head of the church.

Who is the Head of the Church?

Jesus Christ (read Ephesians 1:22, 23)

Key Points:
-Jesus Christ is the head of all things in the Church
-We are his body.

We are his body. We are his flesh and bones. (Ephesians 5:30)

Christ is the Preeminence (Colossians 1:18)
*Also heed the warning of leaders who want to claim the preeminence for themselves in 3 John 1:9, 10.

Christ is the High Priest for us (Hebrews 4:14, 15)
* The veil was rent, so there no longer needed to be a man to stand before us to God, but Christ alone. Also note Hebrews 7:26.

Christ is the Chief Shepherd and Bishop (1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4)

Jesus Christ is the head of our church, and he dwells in our bodies. Every man in Christ is a priest, and we are to go to the Father through his son, Jesus Christ. We do not need any other authority or "shepherd" but Christ alone. We are to be accountable to one another, exhorting one another and suffering with one another and the Bible says especially as we see the day approaching. Beware of any man who seeks to place himself higher than the body, high as if he was a high priest or a man with authority, and has no accountability but "unto God alone."

Concerning Home Church

2009-05-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

The first series I will do will be about home churching. Others also call it an organic church. It's a new concept for some of us, and may even seem radical but home churches have actually been around much longer than many of us ever thought.

Personally, this is the direction I have chosen for my life and my children. The more I researched it on the Bible, the more convinced I am that Jesus Christ has established liberty for us in the ways we assemble together and worship. So many of us associate the word "church" with a building, and I am here to show you that the true definition of church is not of a building.

I left the church I went to before, and it's organized and limited mold when I realized there was so much more. None of this is a condemnation for traditional churches that many of you may still attend. I only hope this enriches you and even broaden your horizons. For some of you, this may be exactly what you need to find.

I am writing the references and some key points, I strongly encourage all of you to find it in your Bibles and double check everything!

The Corner Stone and Living Stone

Jesus announced that he was going to destroy the temple and raise it up in three days (found in John 2:19-21). Jesus was in the grave for three days and when he rose, he established a new temple. It was not of bricks and stone, but of his body as seen in verse 21.

We are the House of Christ (Hebrews 3:6)

We are a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)

We are the living stones in Christ's new Church (read 1 Peter 2:4-7)

Key Points:

-Living stones in the spiritual house
-Chosen of God, disallowed of men.
-A holy priesthood.
-Jesus is the Cornerstone, (also in Matthew 22:42, Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11)

There are to be NO Lords over God's flock, only examples (1 Peter 5:3)

In Our Assembly:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

*Question to Ponder: Are these verses saying we have to assemble together in a physical building, or is it calling us to simply gather together?

Home Churches in the Bible

The Bible lists there were churches taken place in people's homes multiple times in the New Testament. Paul and the disciples visited people often in diverse places and taught them this new way of churching.

-1 Corinthians 16:19 (House of Aquila and Priscilla)
-1 Corinthians 1:11 (House of Chloe)
-1 Corinthians 1:16 (Household of Stephanas)
-Romans 16:5 (House of Epaeneties)
-Romans 16:10 (Aristobielus' Household)
-Romans 16:11 (Narcissus Household)
-Phillippians 4:22 (Caesar's Household)
-Phillippians 4:15 (Nympha's House)
-2 Timothy 4:19 (Household of Onesiphorus)
-Philemon 1:2 (Apphia and Archippus Church at thy house)

This concludes the first part of studying the roots of home church, and I will be writing about what is the body of Christ, who the true head of the body is, and the New Covenant with Jesus this week. If you have any questions or have anything to add, feel free to comment!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

2009-05-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! So good to hear from all of you! I will start doing segments of this study I did a little while ago. I will type just pieces at a time. I'd love your feedback. What I'll write are references and some key points, but I encourage all of you to find it in your Bibles for yourselves. Also, I want to make sure that if I am wrong about anything and you can prove it to me otherwise with scripture, then please correct me!

This one today is about the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Many of us getting into this have experienced something that Paul describes as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. When Paul was on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by the light. God sent a man to remove the scales from his eyes and now he could see. Paul was blinded physically, as well spiritually. He was blind but now he could see.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Read Galatians 1:11-24.

Key points:

-The Gospel was given by God, not man.
-Was taught and revealed to us by Jesus Christ, not by teachings of man.
-Paul was loyal to the Jewish Church and their traditions, now says it was wasted.
-God separates us and reveals his Son in us.
-Paul became an apostle through Jesus Christ alone without any outside influences.
-They will glorify God as they see him in us.

*Also note 1 John 2:27 and John 14:26 for further scriptures showing God's anointing of knowledge and direction that cannot be taught by men but by the Spirit of God.

Have you ever had an experience like that where suddenly God was allowing you to see things clearly? Are you going through a process where you're struggling to understand and God is showing you things and opening new doors? The Bible is consisted of layers after layers and the Bible says to rub it on as eyesalve. The more we rub the Word in our eyes, the more we see clearly.

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see." Revelation 3:18

Hello!

2009-05-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!! I am back! I got the internet turned on today! I was having problems with several internet providers and finally, my brother in law helped me find internet. Praise the Lord! I missed all of you and can't wait to catch up with everyone! Missed you all a LOT!

A lot has happened during those past few months! I can't even explain all of them at once, so I will over time what I have been learning. I can only describe it as a revelation. I've taken some steps that have helped me draw closer to God and understand his Word better! I am thankful he has answered my prayers for his truth to be clear to me.

Ive also changed directions in my life, seeking His leading. I have finally found a release from my decision to try to reconcile with my ex husband. I sought God deeply for these several months and wanted his will to be done. I was willing to do whatever he wanted me to do. Finally, I felt a release about a month ago and the verse of 1 Corinthians 7:15 was given to me several times in one day. I heard the verse before, but it was made manifest to me at that moment. It was hard to go through that, most definitely, and to go back to the past and face all these things, but if anything, it brought me great peace! Not only did I forgive, but I finally forgot. The resentment was gone and now there was friendship and respect. We also agreed to end the court nightmare and to work on making decisions about our children on our own. That is a miracle.

And there is someone I am seeing now who has been amazing to me for a long while. We have so much in common and we're going on the same road. He's been my wonderful friend and there are so many things about him that I adore. He makes me happy. We're just beginning our new affection for each other. I feel blessed with him.

And my faith and walk with God has been making some turns into some directions I have only recently discovered. I can't wait to write all about it! I will write several sections about these things. There's an overwhelming amount of things, so I will do it gradually and slowly.

I love you all and missed you all! So glad to be back online!!! _\m/

Love, Charlene

Offline for a Little While!

2009-04-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

My internet shut off this afternoon and it's my fault for not paying the bill for hmm.. five months. Oops. I have to go in person on Monday and see if I can pay what I owe or not. Meanwhile I won't be online for a couple days! Let's hope it's nothing longer than that! Will miss you all! Be back in a little while! Love, Charlene

The Good Friday Hoax

2009-04-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

In the calendar, we are all taught that Jesus Christ died on Friday. Yet, that goes against the Word of God in the Bible. That makes the Bible seem false and make Jesus wrong. As we know, the Word is infallible and Jesus fulfilled ALL that he said he would do.

"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matthew 12:40

If we do the math, Jesus dying on a Friday afternoon and rising at the crack of dawn on Sunday would NOT be three days and three nights. It only adds up to one day and two nights (Fri PM, Sat AM, PM) It is far less than 72 hours! Therefore, Jesus did NOT die on a Friday.

Also, he died during an annual Sabbath observance that wasn't just a Saturday like every week, but the Passover which was several days long. The Jewish calendar and timeline is somewhat different than ours. Their days start at sunset, not at midnight like ours. They follow the Sun and the Moon to set the days.

Here is a timeline for further information and several links that would be helpful and full of information if you wanted to research further!

LINKS:

http://ad2004.com/prophecytruths/Articles/Prophecy/3days3nights.html

http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/booklets/tw-bk.cgi?category=Booklets1&item=1104414149

The Lord Shall Laugh

2009-04-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

I found a passage that was of great encouragement to me. I had to share it with all of you. It is from Psalm 37, verses 9-13.

 "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming"

Be encouraged! It is us who has the victory! Wait on the Lord, it will just be a little while and we will inherit God's kingdom! Let the wicked plot away, but God is laughing at them! How marvelous that God LAUGHS! If he can laugh, then so can we! Be of good cheer!

Get a Free Issue of Home School Digest!

2009-04-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Come and get a FREE issue of Home School Digest and support Gleaning the Harvest! Here is the post from Jacque Dixon's blog!

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I received an email from Mr. Israel Wayne through the Gleaning the Harvest emails offering me the opportunity to raise some advertising money for an ad for Gleaning the Harvest in the home schooling magazine, Home School Digest. The awesome thing is that that is not all it is. It is a FREE Sample Issue for all of my friends too.

I ordered my FREE sample issue today, and I wanted to let you know you could too. The emphasis of Home School Digest is on Family Discipleship, Character Building and Developing A Biblical Worldview. HSD is also the nation’s longest-running Christian homeschooling magazine.

The link to order your FREE sample offer is:

http://www.HomeSchoolDigest.com/hsdsample.htm

and the Promo Code is: GLEAN

By using this link and Promo code, you will receive a free sample issue of the magazine, and Gleaning the Harvest will receive $1 in magazine advertising credit. You are welcome to spread the word about this also via your blogs and websites, in email, on Yahoo groups, in church bulletins and other support groups and meetings.

Thank you, and I hope you get your free sample issue and thanks for supporting GTH!

blessings,

The Fool's Holiday

2009-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

In light of the recent April Fool's Day, I wanted to bring some insights about this holiday. It seems like a silly holiday where people can act like complete fools of themselves, yet is that Biblical? The Bible rebukes foolishness and calls us to be wise. Being a fool is a sin and is wicked in the eyes of God. We should not partake of this holiday and celebrate foolishness.

Amanda Dixon at SuperAngel's Blog wrote an in depth explanation of April Fool's Day. I encourage all those who are interested in learning more about this holiday to visit her website. CLICK HERE for the article!

And here is an eye-opening quiz that helps us see whether we are acting in the ways of a fool, or striving for wisdom in how we live, act and speak to those around us. I hope you take a few minutes to complete this quiz!

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Psalm 14:1

Teaching My Son About Salvation

2009-03-31T17:00:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful idea all of a sudden on how to explain my oldest son, Landon, about salvation. I grabbed a line paper, and a red pencil. I told him that the red pencil was Jesus' blood that he shed for us on the cross. I made several marks on the paper and said those were called SIN. We thought of several examples of what sin could be and marked them down!

I said that we could not go to Heaven with a dirty paper. God wants a clean paper.

So we took the red pencil and erased all the marks of "sin" off the paper. Now the paper was clean and white! I said, Jesus' blood washes away our sins! Now our paper is clean and we can go to Heaven!

YAY!

The Recipe for Peace

2009-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

This recent Sunday, we had a visiting pastor. He is the vice president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA. He pointed us to these scriptures in Psalm 37 and it gave me such great peace in my heart! I had to share it with all of you as well! During these times of worry and stress, and it seems that the wickedness in this world is prospering so fast, we still have refuge under the shadow of the Lord's wings.

The Recipe for Peace

1. FRET NOT THYSELF because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of inquitity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

2. DELIGHT THYSELF also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

3. COMMIT THY WAY unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

4. REST IN THE LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

5. CEASE FROM ANGER, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

6. WAIT ON THE LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shall see it.

(Psalm 37:1-8, 34)

A Mom Has Got to Brag, Ya Know?

2009-03-30T15:45:00.001-07:00

I noticed how handsome and BIG my boys have gotten, so I snapped some pictures this morning! My heart melts looking at these pictures, aww. They're becoming heart throbs! *(oh-noes!)* I need to buy an electric fence to keep the girls out!!

This one cracks me up, LOL!

Why We Suffer

2009-03-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was having a wonderful time fellowshipping with two of my girlfriends. One of them asked me why God allowed his children to suffer. That question stayed on my mind and this morning, I decided to search the scriptures. Let this be helpful to all who have asked the same question.

For the Glory that Awaits Us

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Ephesians 3:13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory

1 Peter 2:19
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

For Our Salvation and Consolation
(Note: consolation means comfort and relief)

2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:6
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

God hath Worketh Trials in Us to Mold Us and Shape Us

Romans 5:3-5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Sufferings Shall Bring Forth Joy at the End

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Encouragement about these Times

2009-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

I wrote this because I did not want you all to feel despaired after this last post, and I hope this shall be an encouragement to you!

We may see all those things happening in our country, as I listed in the previous post on "America Holocaust," and feel frightened or frustrated. Many men in the Bible have also cried out to God when their countries were turning away from God's will. They cried out to God, just as we have been when all those things have been happening. Habbakuk is one of these men, and he said,

"O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." Habbakuk 1:2-4

Habbakuk wondered why God did not come quickly to avenge the righteous and why he waited so long to punish evil. The world was covered in inquitity and wickedness. Evil was abounding. Habbakuk asked God why he was allowing the wicked to prosper and for the world to continue this way? Does that sound like us?

Then God replied,

"Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you." Habbakuk 1:5

God already has a plan. God's judgment and wrath does not sleep very long. The Lord has seen everything happening in our country right now and everything is still under his control. The leaders in this world may THINK they are in control, but God is above them on the everlasting throne.

As his people, we shall learn to trust God and to live by faith no matter what's happening in our nation. Terrible plans are being formed by the enemy and satan is working in the powerful places on Earth, but the Earth fits in the hollow of God's hand. He is above it all and he reigns. His plans can crush the enemy's plans.

"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habbukuk 2:2

God has an appointed time for his plans to be fulfilled. Everything is happening exactly the way God knew it would as it is written. He shall fulfill his plans, and we shall have victory. There SHALL be an end to the wickedness in the world. As we approach these times, we shall look up for our redemption draweth nigh. Let us rejoice and wait on the Lord.

The Names of Jehovah

2009-03-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the special names of God in the Hebrew tongue! I learned the list of names in the Biblical Doctrine class at my church and it stuck with me since. I found it useful when I praise God and worship him! These names also show the many awesome qualities of God!

Jehovah Rophe- Our Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah Tsidkenu- The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
Jehovah Shalom- The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Nissi- The Lord our banner (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah Shammah- The Lord is present (Ezekiel 48:35)
Jehovah Sabaoth- The Lord of armies (Isaiah 44:6)
Jehovah Jireh- The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah Rohi- The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah Mekeddeshem- The Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:7-8)

Walking on the Stormy Seas

2009-03-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

I do my best thinking at night time as I lay in bed before I sleep. I tell myself to remember in the morning, but then I never do. Sometimes I'll just pull myself out of bed and write it down!

Tonight, I was thinking about how we could explain joy. Happiness is circumstantial and it depends on what we are facing, whether it be bad or good. Joy is a fruit of the spirit and it is a gift from God as we grow in our walk with him. Joy is always abiding, no matter what the circumstances are, no matter what we are facing.

As Christians, we live above the circumstances. We're not really IN it, like a lost person without God would be. Life is full of waves, tidal waves, tsunamis, storms, unpredictability, and people get tossed about and go up and down along with life's motions. As successful Christians, we sail right through it. The perfect illustration is when Jesus walked on water. There was a storm, but Jesus wasn't in it, he wasn't tossed with it, or drowning. Jesus just sailed over it.

Jesus showed Peter, a mortal, imperfect man how to walk on water. It was possible by faith and by keeping our eyes on Jesus. We have that opportunity to walk on water over the stormy seas of our lives just like Peter did.

What a gift!

to be Healthy.

2009-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I need your help! I decided yesterday that I am tired of eating junk food. I eat a huge bag of candy corn every week and I've been buying liters of cola often amongst other junk. I have been neglecting my health and even went to the hospital recently because of dehydration. That was over a month ago and I have not changed any habits. I know need to.

I am finally fed-up because it doesn't feel healthy at all. I thought, well, I want to start serving more healthy meals and start working out to feel better. I also want my (two very picky) boys to learn to eat healthier too. I'd love if any of you guys could share some recipes that we could enjoy as a family (with kids in mind too). Any ideas would be awesome!

I appreciate it, thanks :) :)

Candy Corn, I love you but you're bad for me! Shoo!!

A Beautiful Forward

2009-03-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

I got this forward from my sweet friend, Karrie, and I loved it so much that I had to share it! That last line touched me too and I hold that quote dear to my heart. Enjoy!

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One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in
the woods.  As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things
were not right.  He thought about those who had lied about him back when
he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him.
He remembered family who had passed on.  His mind turned to the illness he
had, that no one could cure.  His very soul was filled with anger,
resentment, and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing
all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek
the one he knew would always be there.  And with tears in his eyes, he
prayed:

'Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life.  You have told
me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told
me to forgive.  I am sad, Lord, because I cannot.  I don't know how.  It
is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me
and I shouldn't have to forgive.  As perfect as your way is Lord, this one
thing I can not do, for I don't know how to forgive.  My anger is so deep
Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you teach me to do the one
thing I can not do:  Teach me to forgive.'

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt
something fall onto his shoulder.  He opened his eyes.  Out of the corner
of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt.  He could not turn to see
what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece
of wood in the ground.  He raised his head and saw two feet held to the
wood with a large spike through them.

He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus
hanging on a cross.  He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a
torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the
suffering and pain on His precious face.  As  their eyes met, the man's
tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

'Have you ever told a lie?'  He asked?

The man answered - 'Yes, Lord.'

'Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?'

The man answered - 'Yes, Lord.'  And the man sobbed more and more.

'Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?' Jesus asked?

And the man answered, 'Yes, Lord.'

'Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?'

The man, crying now, answered - 'Yes, Lord...'

As Jesus asked many more times, 'Have you ever'? The man's crying became
uncontrollable, for he could only answer - 'Yes, Lord'.

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt
something fall on his other shoulder He looked and saw that it was the
blood of Jesus.  When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and
there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, 'I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.'

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when
you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.


If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Struggling with Rejection?

2009-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

I admit that one of my biggest daily struggles is the feeling of rejection. Every day I wake up with the feeling, and it's very hard for me. Today, I was struggling with that feeling and God brought something to my mind. The Lord reminded me that even HE, the sweet Saviour, was rejected on the cross. Jesus also goes through rejection every day as thousands of people reject his gift of love. When I realized that, my feelings of rejection became so small in comparison.

I'm so grateful that I have a God who understands. I know I have a God who will never reject me but love me unconditionally. I know that even if I was the only person on this Earth, Jesus would still have come to die for me. I want to learn to be like Jesus, that even though I may be rejected from someone, I still want to learn to love unconditionally regardless.

Thousands of people, or even millions, struggle with the same problem I do. The perfect solution is to come to the God who has his arms open wide and says:

"For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

Above All, lyrics

Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Come Out of the World.

2009-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

I had a Bible study this afternoon and found great teachings about the world in 1st John. I have lived in the world before. I have thought like the world, I have talked like the world, I have been accepted by the world and thrived in the world.

Right now, I live in God. The old things are gone, and all things are new. Everything that is old and of the world will be destroyed, and the those who follow God will last. If a person is of the world, then they shall perish with the world.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17

I no longer miss the world or care for anything in the world. After we live in God, and plunge ourselves in him, the world seems dull in comparison. It becomes empty, meaningless and so dark. Our feelings and perspectives of the world change when we live in God. We receive so much love and grace with the Lord, and find real purpose living in his will. Then, we are not of the world anymore, but sons and daughters of God.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knowest us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1

My question for you is, are you separated from the world? Is it obvious to everyone around you that you belong to the Lord? When we are of God, the world will reject us, mock us and cast us out like it did to Jesus. That comes with the territory as Christians, but we rejoice because we are His.

"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." 1 John 3:13

The world has it's own style for their own kind. Worldly people talk after worldly things, in a worldly manner, and they will not receive the Word that we speak of because they are in the world. We will seem like we are speaking utter nonsense to them. They cannot perceive the truth unless God reveals it to them. They are lost.

But sometimes, even with random chance of meeting, we will find a brother or sister in Christ and they will hear us. We will recognize each other as brethren in Christ. I love it when that happens! We share the spirit of truth and are able to recognize who has the spirit of truth, and who has the spirit of error.

"They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." 1 John 4:5-6

And great joy is knowing this, that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. He hath the victory! Those who abide in him shall also overcome the world!

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:5

I wrote this because in this life we live, we all must choose whether we are of the world, or of God. We must be in one or the other. We cannot have both feet on both sides, the Father will not dwell in us if we do that. Let us turn our backs to the world, and follow the precious footprints of Jesus Christ. Let us all become his own.

One of those days..

2009-03-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days.

I woke up the kids from their nap and hurriedly wrapped a gift for a young boy's birthday party that was starting in a half hour. I drove the kids to the edge of town only to realize I was a day early for the party.

Then I felt bad for the kids and decided to drive them to a park that we saw from the road. We walked quite a distance to arrive to this new park, but realized it was a dog park, not a children park. We walked all the way back to the van.

I drove away and noticed my gas was empty. I pulled over at a gas station with my key in my hand, and as I came back to the car, I realized the key wasn't in my hand anymore. I looked everywhere, and even dug through the very 'sanitary' garbage can. The kids and I were stranded at the gas station for a good while until my mom got a ride and brought me a spare key.

And I came home, and nearly fell over the front door when my heels got stuck between the wedge at the door.

Ever have one of those days? :/

Protect Yourself from Internet Stalking

2009-03-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

More people are spending time on the internet than ever before. There is easy access to every kind of information available online, chat rooms, social networks, instant messengers and emails. We also get to know many new people from all over the world. It is fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Talking to strangers online is just as dangerous as talking to a stranger on the street.

Here is some information to help everyone learn about internet stalking and how to protect themselves from that.

There are three general types of internet stalkers:

1. Obsessional Stalkers: You may have known them, had a friendship with them, and ended it but they refuse to accept that the relationship is over even when they have been told repeatedly it is. They may still contact you in emails and instant messengers, or persistently try to add you on Facebook, MySpace, or other social networks. Do not think they are harmlessly in love because many of them may have been emotionally abusive, controlling and even carry a criminal record for stalking.

2. The Delusional Stalkers: They have never had a relationship with the person outside of their own mind. They could have mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or erectomania. What they have in common is a false belief that keeps them tied to their victims, even things like walking on the same side of the street, buying the same brand of orange juice, etc. There may be delusional stalkers who are determined to prove their love to the victim somehow believing they will return the same feelings. This can be dangerous, like the stalker of Jodie Foster who shot President Reagan for her.

Delusional stalkers are often loners, unmarried, socially immature, and don't really have much people skills to keep friendships and relationships. They often stalk victims who are unattainable such as celebrities, married people, and tend to draw to those in helping professions such as doctors, thearapists, teachers etc. They can be very difficult to get rid of and can be around for years.

3. Venegeful Stalkers: They get angry at their victims over slight (either real or imagined) problem. They are dangerous because they can stalk the victim but believe themselves to be the "victims." This commonly includes disgruntled employees, ex-spouses, etc. They may show a flame war, want to argue with you, disagree with you, and may even create a website about you. They can go as far as tracing you, calling you at home, at work, sending you hate mail or even going as far as finding you offline.

How to Protect Yourself.

-If you are a minor, please contact an adult immediately. This kind of thing cannot be kept a secret. Let your parents know right away! And parents, guard your children. Always know who they are talking to!

-Stop all contact with this person. Do not respond to them anymore. Do not continue the conversations, do not argue with them, just cut off all ties with them.

-Block their emails, their IMs, and any other access they may have to you. Disappear online by changing your identity and if necessary your Internet Provider. Your safety is more important than the inconvenience of having to change your online identity.

-If there are threats being made, make a report to your local police station. Bring any logs or emails with you as evidence. Keep all correspondence in order for them to be able to be traced.

-Be on guard when you are online. Do not share your information. Do not give out your home address or phone number. Do not give any information that could reveal where you are.

-If you feel uncomfortable around someone online, listen to your feelings!

Go to this website for more information:
http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment/stalker.html

A Green Family!

2009-03-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a new picture update of us! It's been a while since we had one! Landon is 4 and Brady is 2, and they're growing like weeds! Cute weeds, of course. Have a happy St Paddy's day!!

Inviting You to AGMinistries!

2009-03-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

I invite you all to visit AGMinistries which is a devotional website by three women from my church, including myself! Have you come by and visited Apples of Gold today? SisterLisa created this wonderful website to encourage other Christian women in their walk with the Lord. I enjoy writing there as well! We cover a wide array of subjects. Come and check it out when you can!

Interview with My Son :)

2009-03-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

I got this great interview idea from Daughter of the King! I thought it would be so fun to do with my son who is 4! I'll try not to giggle ;)

1. What is something Mom always says to you?
Landon, clean, pick up, throw in the garbage!

2. What makes Mom happy?
Make stuff clean.

3. What makes Mom sad?
If you be mean?

4. How does Mom make you laugh?
If you be silly!

5. What was Mom like as a kid?
You meet my dad?

6. How old is Mom?
Um, twenty four?

7. How tall is Mom?
Um, really far?

8. What is Mom's favorite thing to do?
Um, do work!

9. What does Mom do when you're not around?
Um, just wait?

10. If your Mom becomes famous what will it be for?
Um, to be happy!

11. What is Mom really good at?
Me.

12. What is Mom not good at?
Um, being mad!

13. What is Mom's favorite food?
Eggs.

14. What do you and Mom do together?
Play!

15. If your Mom was a TV character who would she be?
Mommy!

16. How are you and Mom different?
Um, she makes babies.

17. How are you and Mom the same?
Um, we watch tv and ninja turtles!

I know I have all that I asked of You

2009-03-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

You're my hope

When everything around me
seems so hopeless and lost
But I will not despair
For I know you are above it all
And my hope lies in your hands
My faith is in the promises
Of your Word
I know I have all that I asked of you
Because I have asked in your Name
And I have believed with my heart
My prayers have already been answered
And you are now laying it all down before me
According to thy plan
In your time, Lord
You will make all things beautiful
And I know I have all that I asked of you
Because I have asked in your Name
And I have believed with my heart
You are the God of Abraham, Jacob and Moses
And you are my God
I believe in your power
And I'll smile today
And I won't fret today
For I know I have all that I asked of you
Because I have asked in your Name
And I have believed with my heart
I will wait upon the Lord
And he will renew my strength everyday
And lift me high as an Eagle
And my soul will soar
Because I know I have all that I asked of you
Because I have asked in your name
And I have believed with my heart

Debunking Catholicism

2009-03-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a list that includes the doctrines of Catholicism and what the Word of God says about each one. I have tried to make it simple and clear as I can. If you are a Catholic reading this, I plead with you to open your ears to God's Word and see if it aligns with what you have been taught in your church. God's scripture is the final authority on all things.

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar”. Proverbs 30:5-6

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works”. Timothy 3:16-17

Here is a List of Doctrines by the Catholic Church and the Bible verses that debunk them:

1. Catholics go to a priest and ask them for the forgiveness of sins.

A: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) Mark 2:10

(Only Jesus Christ has the power to forgive sins.)

2. Catholics pray to saints to intercede to God on their behalf.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Timothy 2:5

(And the Bible forbids us to speak to the dead. Saints are dead, and Jesus Christ is alive.)

3. Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary is the Queen of Heaven.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her" Luke 1:38

(A handmaid is a female servant. The Vatican added "Queen of Heaven" to their Bible and it is forbidden to add unto the Bible. )

4. Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception.

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

(Jesus was the only perfect person on Earth and knew no sin. Mary was blessed to be chosen to open her womb for God, but she was not immaculate. She also made a sin offering for herself (two turtle doves: refer to Luke 2).

5. Catholics believe in Purgatory.

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:34

(There is no purgatory written in the Bible. The Bible states there are only two places for us to go to. Heaven or Hell. There is no limbo land.)

6. Catholics call their priests "father."

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:8-10

(The Bible says not to call anyone father, rabbi or master because we only have one father in Heaven.)

7. Catholics bow down to the Pope.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

(The Pope is a man, and there is no man higher than another. All have sinned and all have fallen short. Only worship GOD and do not bow down before anyone else.)

8. Catholics Believe that they call down Jesus body to be broken and crucified again through communion.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Jesus called us to the Lord's Supper, the breaking of bread and drinking grape juice to remember him only. It is a memorial to remember what Christ has done for us on the cross. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he did it once and for all, and that was sufficient.

9. The Catholic Church creates their own rituals and observances while the Catholic people try to complete them all so they can earn their way to Heaven.

"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Matthew 23:3-4

The Catholic Church creates a heavy yoke for their believers, more laws, rules, rituals and the majority of it is not a Biblical command. Jesus warned us of these. God's burden is light, not heavy. Come to him all ye weary.

Conclusion

I have written this to help Catholic people who are seeking for the truth. I am not against Catholic people, but my heart grieves for them to know the truth. I want Catholics to be free from the bondage by the Roman Catholic Church and to be free from the false gospel of works. I want Catholics to enjoy the true freedom offered in Christ Jesus. While some of you reading this may struggle in accepting it, because it is a hard thing to accept after believing in something for so long. I understand that. I pray you will open your hearts and your mind to finding the answer. It's so important while our time on Earth is short. Ask God, and he will show you the way. He wants you to find the answer and he wants you to find him.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

""For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

There is salvation in Christ Jesus and in him alone. Man will not save you, church will not save you, your works will not save you, nothing else will save you but the blood of Jesus Christ. If there were any other way, he would not have died on the cross.

If you believe in your heart that Jesus died and rose again and confess him as your Saviour, you shall be saved. You will go to Heaven when you die and be with Jesus Christ. God made a simple and beautiful plan for us to go to Heaven while man tried to make it complicated. I encourage you if you have not done so yet, to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour today.

And to the Vatican: Jesus Christ has spoken to you in the entire chapter of Matthew chapter 23.

The Battle is the Lord's

2009-03-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Many of us face many battles everyday; whether it be sickness, financial troubles, a broken marriage, or anything else. We may be like soldiers on a field, facing a battle. We may see Satan's army before us and feel hopeless at the sight of what we are facing. Yet God has spoken, and he has said this battle is not yours, but his.

"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." 2 Chronicles 20:15-17

Do not fight this battle, for this battle belongs to the Lord. God tells us to be firm, stand still and to trust in the victory we have in the Lord. Do not fear or waver, God is with us. If he be for us, who can be against us? Remember, God never loses a battle.

You may feel defeated because of the ruins that lay around you. Is everything such a mess that it seems hopeless? Yet, God has spoken. Whatever he sets to do, he shall do it. He restores what was lost, he fixes what is broken, heals what is damaged and not only that, but he can make it higher, stronger and better than it ever was before.

"Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it." Ezekiel 36:36

And everyone around you will see what God has done. They will believe in him and glorify him for what he has done in you.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20

And anything is possible because of God's power that is given unto us to be used. God can do all that we ask, and do it exceedingly more than we ever dreamed of. Stop trying to do it yourself, because there's nothing we can really do. Let God be God, and he can create miracles.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Are you facing a battle? Remember that the battle is not yours, but the Lord's.

<3

2009-03-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I spent time in prayer and asked God to help me not be discouraged. I fell asleep on the couch right after that while my kids were taking their naps. When I woke up, I saw another tree out through the window. It's branches were broken and wispy, but it formed a perfect shape of a 2 foot heart. It was the very first thing I saw when I woke up, and I smiled. I love you too God. He is so thoughtful and kind in ways just like that. That's why I adore him so.

<3

Defeating Discouragement

2009-03-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

I was battling discouragement for the past two days. I notice that happens when I allow myself to think about and dwell on things that seem hopeless to me. I realized that it was not of God, but a hindrance from the enemy. Discouragement is a tool that Satan uses to make us lose faith in God and waver. If you start to feel discouraged, remind yourself of the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

One example from the Bible is when God brought Moses and the Jews to the Promised Land, just as he said he would do. But, when they saw the giants in the land and the mighty city, they were discouraged. They had doubted in the Lord, and because of that, they couldn't enter the promised land. We all will face our own giants, but the only thing that can defeat us is our own discouragement.

"Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." Deuteronomy 1:28

Here are some verses of reassurance from God to help us get through these tough times. I recommend choosing at least one scripture and mediating on it. Store these words of comfort from the Lord in your heart, and remain steadfast.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1:21

(God has given you victory and wants you to go and claim it. Do not fear or be discouraged, go and receive these things the Lord has prepared for you.)

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

(Do not fear, God is with you in every battle you will face. With him, there is no such thing as impossible. In fact, God thrives on impossibilities. There is nothing too hard for him!)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

(Whatever you're going through, you are never alone. God gives us strength to get through it. He also never loses a battle. Trust in him and turn to him.)

As for me, I will not allow my discouragement to sink in. That is what the enemy wants and he will not have it from me. I believe in God and I believe in miracles. I will be steadfast and unwavering. Discouragement will not defeat me.

California Needs Our Prayers Today

2009-03-05T10:04:00.001-08:00

Today is the day that the judges will hear both sides of PROP 8 voice their cases before the court. We need to pray fervently today that God will control the hearts and minds of the judges and that those who are supporting to preserve marriage will speak effectively in court. If the courts overturn the ban, then what rights do we have as voters anymore? It will be void.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090305/ts_nm/us_gaymarriage

^"26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

²⁷And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

²⁸And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

²⁹Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

³⁰Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

³¹Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

³²Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:26-32

A Love Note from God.

2009-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

I learned from the Women's conference that we need to seek God in our everyday lives. Often times he is there, showing himself in small ways throughout our day, but he goes unnoticed. I want to practice paying attention and I want to learn to recognize God in my life.

Lately, it has been pouring rain. I have not seen this much rain fall in this area for years. We have been needing it because of the drought. I noticed that the tree that rests in plain view from my living room balcony was bare. But, as the rain continued on, the tree started blooming. Everyday, I see the flowers grow more and more.

It's like a love note from God to me, telling me that we need the rain to bring forth the blossoms. Just like in life, we must endure these things because what they bring forth is worth it. Remember, Winter brings forth Spring.

God brings me hope whenever I feel like I'm losing mine. He's so beautiful in so many ways. Without him, I would be grieving. With him, I find hope, joy, love and peace. So Lord... bring on the rain. I trust in you.

Are You Being Deceived?

2009-03-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

I felt inspired when I read a few scriptures in my Sunday School class this morning. It stayed with me all day and I knew I had to write about it. I want to go in depth with these scriptures and write about how we can easily be deceived. This is something we all need to evaluate within ourselves.

Deception has been a tool used by Satan since the beginning of creation. He was the serpent that deceived Eve with the fruit from the forbidden tree. Satan has been using deception ever since, and that is why he is called the father of lies.

Deception is when something is so close to the truth, but yet it's not the truth. Those are the hardest to distinguish, but by the spirit of God, we can have discernment. By the Word of God, we will know what's right and what's not. God equips us to escape Satan's traps.

1. Are you being deceived by religion?

Many people are involved in religion but they don't know God. They are not saved. We can do the entire enchilada: Be a faithful member of church, tithe our money, be involved in the ministry, or bringing the best fried chicken at the potluck, yadda, you name it, it won't save you. None of these things will get you to heaven.

Church will not save you. People will not save you. Religion will not save you. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can save you. There's a terrible false belief of universalism that says there are many ways to heaven, but that is bunk. Without Jesus Christ, nobody can enter heaven. If any other thing could get us to heaven, then why would Jesus die on the cross? That's because he knew it would be the only way.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

2. Are you being deceived by your zeal?

"Wow, look at all those people.. they're doing community services, feeding the hungry, visiting the widows, donating to charities, saving the spotted owls and all of the good deeds there are out there! They're so good.. they're definitely going to heaven!" Does that sound like you?

Do good people go to heaven? No. Does giving back to the world and doing community service redeem you? No. That's not your redemption. It doesn't matter how good you are or what you do, because it's not your works that save you. That won't even get you inside the lobby room of Heaven.

It's grace. God left his kingdom and his throne to come on Earth as a man to bear the sins of the world. Jesus never sinned once, but took our place of punishment and death so that we may take his place as heirs to God's kingdom. He traded with us! Why? Because he loved us that much.

Now it's all wrapped nicely as a gift for everyone, including you. It's up to you to receive it or to reject it. That's all there is to it and it's your choice. Nobody can make that choice for you but YOU alone.

3. Are you being deceived by yourself?

Do you say: "I am a good person."
God's answer: "but we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our inquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6

Do you have your own opinions on what is right and wrong and think you're just as good as the next guy?
God's answer: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12.

Did you know our own ways lead to death? The only way we can go to Heaven is if we do it God's way. He's there already, wants you to go there too, and made a road map for you in the Bible. It's impossible for us, a sinful being, to enter the perfection of Heaven that knows no sin. So God made a plan to get us there with him, and it is so easy. Isn't that nice?

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Romans 3:23-25.

4. Are you being deceived by the world?

Sin has it's pleasures, but they are only for a short time. None of these things will last and the end will bring forth death. It's like the story of how a trapper will catch a wolf. They put a knife inside an ice block and cover it in blood. The wolf continues to lick the blood until the ice melts and the knife gets them at the end. That's sin.

"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Hebrews 11:25

Are you fighting away an emptiness inside and looking to fulfill it in the world? Maybe you are searching for fulfillment in alcohol, drugs, narcotics, anything to get you feeling something. Maybe you're searching for it in promiscuous relationships, one night stands, looking for love in the wrong places. Maybe you're finding yourself on shopping sprees, buying things that only seem to satisfy you for a short time, and then you must have something bigger, better and more expensive.

You need the Saviour. That hole was meant to be filled by him and him alone. You'll never find it anywhere in the World. The World sure promises us with happiness but they are only temporary. Happiness comes and goes depending on the circumstances. With Jesus Christ, you can have joy and it will be abiding no matter what the circumstances are.

Conclusion

If you died in some freak accident today, where would you go? Would you go to Heaven, or would you go to hell? Now hell is a very real place. We don't die into some kind of eternal sleep or blackness. Unfortunately, I have to tell you the truth about hell but the good news is that you don't have to go there.

The Bible says that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. If you believe that Jesus Christ is God's son who was sent to die on the cross for our sins, and that he rose three days later, you shall be saved. If you confess with your mouth that he is Lord and want him to be your Saviour, then kneel down and ask God to forgive your sins and ask him to be your Saviour today. I urge you not to put this off. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

And if you have already done so, welcome to the family! Life just changes when we know what happens at the end. Suddenly all our problems just seem so minor and petty in light of eternity. This is all just temporary. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we finally see our Saviour face to face at last!

Home From Napa!

2009-02-28T22:02:00.001-08:00

I am home! I had a BLAST at the Women's Conference this weekend! I got to go with my awesome girlfriends, mom & sister! This was my first year to attend this conference in Napa and it was a gorgeous place! I saw rolling hills, vineyards and hot air balloons! I'd love to visit this place again!

I enjoyed all the sermons and the sessions we took! I got to know some wonderful speakers and hear their testimonies. We laughed and we shared some tears. We also went to Starbucks.. a lot. I almost had a coffee overdose :P

I also sought God in deeper matters that I was dealing with in my life right now. He reaffirmed all my decisions. He reassured me with new hope, and gave me a renewed trust in him. I feel more confident in God's will. The trip was well worth it.

I also love what Miss Jocelyn wrote on Facebook recently, "I know that the LORD holds my future in the PALM of His HAND!!!!! Go ahead satan try to get it, have you seen His hand??? Ha!" Amen to that!!

I also missed my babies!! I got to wrestle with them for an hour before bedtime and give them kissy-kissies! Brady even helped me kiss HIS OWN arms too, isn't that cute?? Landon bashfully told me he missed me and blushed! Lol. It's good to be home!! ♥

And I'm looking forward to next year girls! I hope more of you will decide to join us too!!

Be Back Soon!!

2009-02-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

I will be gone from today until Saturday evening! I am attending a Women's Conference out of town in a gorgeous place! It'll be so much fun to go with the girls from church, my mom and my sister included! I will be back to catch up on all the blog posts & emails! Love you guys! _\m/

And Martha.. NO SUGARFREE CANDIES! You know what I'm talking about Missy!

Concerning Ash Wednesdays

2009-02-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

I realized that today is what the Catholic church calls "Ash Wednesday" and the practicing Catholics abstain from meat today and every Friday until Easter. I will let the scripture speak for itself. You can find what God says about this practice in 1 Timothy 4:1-4:

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving." 1 Timothy 4:1-4

The practice of abstaining from meat and even the priesthood and nuns that say they must take a vow to remain single without ever being married is not agreed with in the Word of God. This scripture warns of the latter days, which we see now, that people will fall away from the truth and give in to false doctrines "doctrines of devils." God created marriage and meat for us and it is good. It should not be refused or forbidden. This is NOT the doctrine of God.

Know thy Bible.

In My Deaf World

2009-02-24T23:29:00.001-08:00

March is a deaf history awareness month. I was asked by Growing in Grace Magazine to write an article about deaf history and I will post the link as soon as it is published! I wrote the article about the background of the deafness and called it "The Silent History of Deafness." Then, I thought that I would also write an article about my personal experience of deafness more in depth here for all of you.

Well, I was born deaf in a deaf family due to the hereditary gene called Connexin 26. It is a huge blessing to be born in a deaf family because most deaf people are the only ones in their family. It is my 'normal' and I wouldn't change it if I had the chance to. I strongly believe God chose me to become deaf for a reason, and I embrace that. I also stand by the verse on Exodus 4:11 about how God created different kinds of people, including deaf people.

(sign for Jesus)

I did have hard times growing up, especially with my peers as kids. You know how cruel kids can be in school and all that. But as I grew up, I became more secure in my identity and I'm happy for who I am. The worst part about being deaf is when people act differently around you. That's the biggest thing. We are just so normal and just regular ol' people like you guys are. Most of us have had our rabies shot,... kidding!

Many people ask me what I can hear. I can hear a lot of things with my hearing aids but I am not able to distinguish what I am hearing very well. It's a mess of sound all combined to me. I have to use my eyes a lot and pay attention to the movement of lips, body language and facial expressions to know what's going on. Without hearing aids, I'll only be able to hear a firetruck if it was in my room. Believe it or not, it's a luxury at times! It's also a proven fact that deaf people can sleep deeper than hearing people!

(Sign for church!)

Turning up the volume on the television or radio won't do anything. It'll just be a louder mess of sounds. Everything sounds Spanish to me. I can hear people talking, but it's all foreign language to me. My sister always made fun of me for having the radio on the Spanish station growing up.

We get sweet deals being deaf. For instance, we can talk with our mouths full, talk across the room, underwater and behind everyone's backs (no, joking!! lol). If we have headaches, we can just turn off our hearing aids within convenience. Most of the time, if we get pulled over by a cop, we can just point to our ears and sign "I am deaf" and the cops will suddenly feel uncomfortable and let us go! It's true!! lol.

Deafness is also a beautiful culture. It's the only culture that has emerged from a disability. I wrote about it on the article in GGM about how language, technology, history and all these factors brought forth a culture in deafness. I grew up in both worlds: the hearing and deaf world. I grew up in a deaf family, have been around deaf people all my life and went to a hearing mainstream school. In my personal experience, it is good to have the best of both worlds. My youngest son is also deaf and I will instill that in him. I want him to have the best of both worlds too.

I also wrote that disability is a state of mind. Whatever body God puts us in, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I have seen people prove the impossible every day in the world and don't let that stop you from anything. God even used people in the Bible with a physical struggle, such as Moses with his speech impediment. We have a powerful God whose strength is made perfect in our weakness. Have faith in God because he has faith in you.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email me anytime. I won't be offended, but I'll be delighted to share with you!

Here's a fun fingerspelling guide for those who are interested in learning the basics!

Rejoice Marriage Ministries

2009-02-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

I found a wonderful Christian ministry online that helps Christian people facing divorce, separation and even those who have already been divorced. This ministry is called the Rejoice Marriage Ministries. It is run by a sweet couple named Charlyne and Bob Steinkamp. They were married, they were divorced and God blessed their reconcilation. Now they have been married for over twenty years and it is stronger than ever. Their website has wonderful testimonies from others they have helped, Q&As to help others facing this situation, resources, radio shows, devotionals, emailing subscriptions and so forth. I wanted to share this for everyone who may be seeking God's will for reconcilating with their ex spouse.

http://rejoiceministries.org/

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

2009-02-17T21:08:00.001-08:00

I found those two pictures while I was searching online for something else. These two pictures had an impact on me. A picture is worth a thousand words. I will leave it at that.

He Brought Me to My Knees.

2009-02-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

I have been praying this week, harder than I ever have in my life. God has brought me to the point of total submission unto him. I didn't realize it before but now I realize that my heart was hardened about some things. The Lord has softened my heart and then he was able to lead me to what he wanted me to do for him.

The answer is clear to me and it is something beyond shocking for me. I just can't speak, eat or think about anything else but this. I did something that I never thought I would do yesterday. Today, I drove up in the mountains alone for hours and prayed.

I will write about what happened very soon, and all I ask right now is your prayers for God to bless the decision I made for him. I want his will done, not mine, and even if that means doing something that scares the heck out of me. Please pray about this situation I am facing.

Reopening!!

2009-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! I am making Bring On the Rain public again starting as of last night! This website can be used for current events, devotionals, and fun updates that everyone can see! I hated feeling restrained to make this blog private since I wanted to share God's Word with anybody. So, my sister helped me come up with the idea to create a separate and private blog about my personal life to be safe. There are so many things going on in my life right now with court and stuff that I have to keep some things private. I appreciate your understanding and am thrilled to OPEN Bring On the Rain again!!!

_\m/ Charlene

Bring on the Rain 02/10/09

2009-02-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

I seek your face
I call out your name
Bring me to my knees
It's you that I need
This storm I must face
But I will not go through it alone
You'll hold my hand Lord
And let me rest under your sheltering arms
Hold the umbrella for me
And bring on the rain
Bring on the pain
Everything life throws at me
You've taken it upon yourself
You've let the hail
Fall on your shoulders
to keep me dry
When I cry
Your wings encompass over me
A shelter from the storm
Life is thundering all around
But nothing gets to me
Unless it's been through you first
Nothing gets to me
Unless it's been through you first

from, Charlene

Link to "Christians Use Prophecy to Excuse Laziness"

2009-02-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to link to my friend's blog so you guys can read the amazing article by Chuck Baldwin (the baptist pastor who ran for president this recent election!) Chuck wrote an inspiring one and I encourage you all to visit his blog to read the full article called "Christians use Prophecy to excuse laziness" & the link, CLICK HERE !

The Modern Laodicean Churches Today

2009-02-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

There is a disturbing fact out there right now. Our churches have changed. There is no argument that our churches in America now days have become the prophetic Church of the Laodiceans. It is the last church spoken of by Revelation.

Are you in that church? Do you walk out of church the same way as you entered in without any change within? Was God's Word and his law from the Bible preached, or was it changed to entertaining subjects? Is there a band with contemporary music, maybe with light shows, dry ice, or flashy things, that seems to take up the majority of the church time? Is the music time twice longer than the sermon? Is your church afraid to offend anybody to preach about the convictions of the Bible? Does your church take a stand and speak out against the wrongs? Do you walk in and out, then say "I went to church and I did my part, happy now God?"

Maybe it's time to start noticing what's really going on.

The Church of the Laodiceans are the lukewarm churches we see everywhere right now.

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." Revelation 3:15

And being lukewarm is an abomination to the Lord. He vomits it out of his mouth. How can we be lukewarm about God, his salvation, gift of eternity shed through his blood, and all of these battles in the spiritual war against the flesh.

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16

The churches have everything they want. They're well off, living the good life, and they have it all. They don't really need God anymore, since they have everything. They tell God, "hey, we've got it covered here, we're doing pretty good and don't really need you anymore." But if only they realize it.. they're actually the ones who need God the most. They are poor in the worst way spiritually, a stark contrast of the church of Smyrna who were materially poor, but the Bible calls them rich.

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" Revelation 3:17

But where is God? Revelations tell us that he's outside of the church, knocking and knocking, saying "who will let me enter so that I may sup and dine with him?" Everybody's too busy and getting along without him. Who can stop, pause and hear the knocking? Who could that be? The Savior? What is he doing outside?

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

Jesus should be inside the church. Jesus should be the center of everything. Jesus should have the highest seat in the room, leading the pulpit, and holding everything together. But the churches are just carrying on without him.

Also notice this key word:

"And unto the angel OF the church of the Laodiceans write..." Revelation 3:14

The other churches all refer to the Angel IN the church, but the Laodiceans' Angel is only OF the church, but not inside the church. Is God of the church, a theme in the church, maybe a name on the sign outside, but not inside the church? Even churches everywhere are changing their names into a generic name: "Community Church," "the Vineyard church," etc.

And people are calling themselves Christians as a status. They say they are a "member of this or that church," were raised in a Christian home, were baptized as a child, and so forth. Christianity is not a status, or a membership of a church, or because your parents were Christians.. those won't do anything for anybody.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Revelation 3:22

We need to take notice and pay attention. What is God trying to tell us? What does God want for us?

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19

We need repentance. We need to be held accountable. We need to be convicted. We need to change and get better. We need God in the center of our lives. We need to go to the right church, the kind that isn't afraid to speak out God's Word and his laws, to rebuke and exhort one another, and to help us grow. We must. The time is at hand. Don't be caught in the wrong church going nowhere.

Another Tidbit*

2009-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

I have been notified that Blogger's reader list isn't updating my new posts. There is some kind of problem with my feed. If you're following me, you probably aren't being notified of new posts. I don't know how to fix that and I've been asking around too. The only solution I can think of is to put in a subscriber list (on the top right panel of my blog). It will email you a notification that there has been a new post. So, if you would like to subscribe, just type down your email address on the white bar and enter!

And Miss Moni made these cute graphics for me! Isn't she talented?? :)

Quick Note!!

2009-02-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Some of you may see that you are being followed twice by me! I changed the Admin authors to my other email address and deleted my first profile. You might see two of me, although the first one should have been deleted. It's under a different account and my sister helped me to do it without moving the entire blog!

I also realized I had lost whom I had been following. If you notice that I am not following you, please let me know and give me your URL! I'll fix that mistake quickly!! :)

How to Lead a Child to Christ

2009-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

I am taking a Personal Evangelism class through my church. It is an extended bible college program and I go there every Tuesday night. My pastor teaches this one, and last night he taught us this: How to Lead a Child to Christ. Of course, I whipped out my pen and wrote it down! I thought it'd be interesting to share with all of you!

1. You must be on their level (physically, mentally, spiritually)
Get down on your knees, be at their eye level (kids love that). Excite them and ask who is the smartest, who knows all this stuff, etc.

2. Use Much Repetition (over & over & over).
When you go over a step, stop, then review all the steps before that then move to the next one every time. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

3. Use visual aides!
We can get creative with this! Draw pictures! Use diagrams!

My pastor drew a picture of everyone on a plane with sin spots all over them heading towards the fire, but Jesus got them tickets to go to heaven and now they're happy!

The Wordless book is a popular method too and it's just a book of colors! The colors each represent something, and it's very simple! SisterLisa decided to use M&M colors for an extra treat!

Growing in Grace Magazine has the Wordless book online, CLICK HERE to go there!

Right now, my kids are fairly young and I would say they are too young to grasp the entire concept of salvation. If your kids are young too, we can still teach our kids about sin whenever they do wrong. We can remind them when they lie, when they steal cookies, when they hit their siblings, rebel against us, etc that it is what the Bible calls sin. This can prepare them to realize they have sinned many times and it will be easier to lead them to realize they need a Savior.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4

Be Sure to Enter the Giveaway!!!

2009-02-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

There is a giveaway of an amazing book called, "The Love Dare" that many of you may already know from the movie "Fireproof!" SisterLisa loaned me the movie and I watched it last night. I laughed and I cried! It is a beautiful movie and I already can see it is filled with valuable insights to help the MAJORITY of marriages nowadays. If you haven't seen the movie, GO rent it now!! And don't forget to enter for the giveaway!!

Check out GGM Magazine's Article about the Giveaway & the Love Dare! CLICK HERE

And it's the Anniversary Edition on Growing in Grace Magazine and come and see the sweet cover of SisterLisa and Jacque Dixon together! I am amazed at how hard these ladies work on this magazine and it is an unbelievably wonderful magazine for young girls! We need magazines like these on the stands everywhere and not the current teen magazines with bulimic models that have sexual advice and worldly living splattered all over it. If I had a daughter, I'd want her to be reading this magazine.

Studying Daniel 7 & 8

2009-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

I have been studying with my friend Mike about Revelations and Daniels. I have been researching the end times for several months and there is SO much. I found some key things that we all definitely need to know. There has been so much misunderstanding about these things and the Bible explains it clearly:

Beasts are Kingdoms: (Daniel 7:17-18, Daniel 7:23)

"Thus he said, the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth..." Daniel 7:23

There are FOUR beasts that rises from the sea, four kingdoms that arise. Daniels chapter 7 explains each. This link below explains each one in depth about those beasts. (first was the British, the second was Russia, the third was Germany and the fourth is the ultimate and final beast with a global power.) I strongly urge you to take the time to read this link, and Daniel 7 & 8 to understand who the fourth beast will be.

http://www.christianmedianetwork.com/lastdays.html

The fourth beast will have ten horns. What do the horns represent? Daniel 7:24 explains what they are:

"And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them: and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings."

The ten horns are ten kings that will receive their power from the beast within one hour, as stated in Revelations 17: 12. Also read on to see what they are capable of:

"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is the Lord of lords, and Kings of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen and faithful." Rev 17:12-14.

There is one that will rise, which is called the LITTLE HORN. This is the one we fear the most, but he is the little horn, not the beast for the beast is a kingdom. Daniel 7:8 reads:

"I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things."

Daniel 7:20-22 writes that this same little horn, "whose look was more stout than his fellows," that this same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them (he overcomes the saints also in Rev 13:7) , until the Ancient of Days (God) came, and judgment was given and the saints possessed the kingdom.

The three kings of the ten are plucked up by the roots (if you pluck a plant out by it's roots, it cannot grow no more. You have destroyed it.) There will be 7 kings left, and the little horn will be of the 7, but is the 8th. (Daniel 7:24 says he subdues/overcomes the 3 kings). Revelation 17:11 writes:

"And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."

This Little Horn will blaspheme the name of God (Rev 13:1, Rev 13:6, Daniel 7:25).

Where did this Little Horn come from? Daniel 8:8-11 states that there was a goat (who is usually described as a goat in the Bible?) that had a great horn between his eyes, and it broke into four pieces (four beasts) and out of one of them came forth a little horn which waxed (grew) very great and magnified himself.

This is what happens to the little horn in Daniel 8:24-25:

"And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power (he gets it from the dragon, also note Rev 13:4): and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by the peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand (refer to: 2nd thessalonains 2:8, for he shall be destroyed by the Word that comes out of Jesus' mouth and be consumed)."

Will we see him come? The answer is yes, from what Paul writes in 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand (his coming for us).

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (apostasy), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (he will show himself as God in the temple)"

We will see him arrive, oppose God and show himself as a god. Anyone who is not saved will believe a strong delusion, this great lie and follow him. We already know who the messiah is, for John chapter 10 says, my sheep know my voice.

My goal from this study is to make us all aware and be able to recognize what the beast is, and who the little horn is. We shall not be deceived for the Bible has already told us these things. We get a sneak preview of what happens, and we already know that there is victory in Jesus.

We can trust in the Word of God. He has given us his prophecies and fulfills them to show his infalliable Word. We do not walk in blind faith for God has shown us mighty things with his Word and proved it by fulfilling his Word.

I Signed the Petition, Did You?

2009-01-30T08:28:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have already heard about FOCA. I wrote a post about it a little while ago, HERE. Basically, Obama wants to remove ALL abortion laws and bans immediately and the taxpayers will be paying for all the abortions. I will post a copy of the email that Lisa forwarded to me below, so you can see what we're trying to do. There's also a link included where you can sign the petition online! Let us take action and let us be a voice. I'm fighting, so I can secure the future of my children. Whatever is your motivation, remember these things.

-------------------------------------------------------
From the Desk of:
Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman

We are closing in on our goal of delivering 50,000 petitions to
President Barack Obama, opposing his announced plans to remove
hundreds of pro-life laws from the books.

Given the events of the past few days, this petition delivery
is even more important. President Obama has already moved to
force taxpayers to fund overseas abortions, and his "stimulus"
bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars for "family planning."

Our records show that you have not yet signed the petition. If you
are pro-life and want to be included in this important delivery,
please go here now:

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=15936&RID=18396544

If thousands of friends like you take action, we could deliver
60,000 or even 70,000 petitions to the White House and the
offices of other key officials.

Once again, thank you so much for your faithful partnership with Liberty
Counsel.

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel

Controversial Video

2009-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

This video has been passed down among my deaf friends on Facebook. (It has CC for hearing people, so click CC to see subtitles). Although she is criticized for what she reports about Obama, she is right. It is true! Watch for yourselves.

Taking a Breath

2009-01-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you know that I am alive even though I have not been posting a LOT lately! So much has been built up inside of me with the stress and emotional drain with facing court that after mediation went well, I just felt....

... relieved...

......... and exhausted!! Like I've been holding my breath for so long and forgot to exhale, and forgot to release my muscles!.............

.......... and that even though it's cold outside, my heart is smiling. God is good isn't he??.....

I'll pray for God to use me to write his Words again! I love it when he sends me his inspirations to write about! Meanwhile, here are some silly pictures from our weekend at my nephew's birthday party! He turned 3! Our kids are 2 (Brady), 3 (Cody) and 4 (Landon) :)

Brady, my Party Animal!

Aww!! My son inherited his mommy's teeth!! Isn't that sweet?? :-B

Update!

2009-01-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just got home from a long weekend at my sister's house. My nephew just turned 3! Our boys had a blast playing together and I loved to be able to hang out with my mom and sister. It's so awesome to be able to get together with them like old times all over again! Now, if only I could get Brady to sleep! He has so much energy, especially after a LONG drive!

I am also trying to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for Mediation this Monday at 8:30am. I dread that courtroom more than anything but there's nothing like knowing God is there through all your battles. I need your prayers for my strength to stand for my children, wisdom to know how to answer, and peace in my heart by being aware of God's presence and trusting in him. I just beg the Lord to keep both of my boys in the palm of his hand, no matter what happens.

Recently, SisterLisa took me to the local park (a beautiful park too), and took some pictures! It has a Bring on the Rain theme! I'll ask her how to make a design and add it to my blog! She's an amazing photographer! :)

Have a blessed Sunday! _ \m/
from, Charlene

Our New Leader.

2009-01-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day for our nation. We have a newly elected President of the United States: Barrack Obama. I was crushed when I heard he won the election, but was reminded that God still sits on the throne. Every leader that comes to power has been ordained so by the power of God. They will fit in his ultimate plan so we are to trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord and don't worry about these things. God has already gone ahead of us and taken care of everything.

Let us pray for our Leader. There is nothing greater we can do for our country but to pray for our leader.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1

How Darling!!

2009-01-18T22:44:00.001-08:00

I got this in the email today from Celeste, who used to be my sister in law (and still an awesome friend). I absolutely ADORE these pictures!! Aren't they cute??! My boys are sitting on the bricks with their cousins! Landon and Brady are on the left side and their cousins are on the right side! Aren't they such HANDSOME little gentlemen??

Today, my boys came home from their weekend with their father and I missed them SO much! I don't think I will ever get used to having them away from me. I was telling Landon that I loved him so much that mama's heart feels like it could explode! I did the "kab0Om" effect and he laughed. Suddenly, I found myself weeping and I just held him tight and told him that I am so thankful for him!

God, please keep them all in the palm of your hands and let nothing ever pluck them out. Keep the hedge of protection around them so tight and shelter them under the refuge of your wings. Guide their paths and lead their way as they live their lives. Let them all become extraordinary Men of God! Thank you for bringing us those four little joys in the world!
In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Attack on Parental Rights (UNCRC)

2009-01-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

There is something that has happened that we all need to be aware of right now. There is something called, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that can interfere with your fundamental, parental rights to raise your child. It is happening in many countries right now and America is next! Hilary Clinton is the newly appointed Secretary of State AND an avid supporter of UNCRC.

Basically, the government can override our parental rights without due process of the law and at their own whim. Parents now have to PROVE their capabilities to raise their own children under the assumption that all are already unfit. The government can make their own decisions about our parental rights according to their own definitions of what is in the "best interest of the child." This has been overwhelmingly abused in the other countries.

Here are some example testimonies that I found from the official website, at Parental Rights.

--------------------------------------------------------
A thirteen-year-old boy in Washington State was removed from his parents after he complained to school counselors that his parents took him to church too often. His school counselors had encouraged him to call Child Protective Services with his complaint, which led to his subsequent removal and placement in foster care. It was only after the parents agreed to a judge's requirement of less-frequent church attendance that they were able to recover their son.
---------------------------------------------------------
"PSYCHOLOGICAL CO-PARENTS"

WEST VIRGINIA—A West Virginia mother was shocked when a local circuit judge and a family court judge ordered her to share custody of her four-year-old daughter with two of the girl’s babysitters. Referring to the sitters as “psychological co-parents,” the justices first awarded full custody to them, only permitting the mother to visit her daughter four times a week at McDonalds. Eventually she was granted primary custody, but forced to continue to share her daughter with the sitters.

When her case finally reached the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in October 2007, the beleaguered mother was relieved to finally be granted full custody of her daughter.

In their October 25 opinion, the Supreme Court justices wrote that they were "deeply troubled by the utter disregard" for the mother's rights. One justice referred to the mother's right as the "paramount right in the world."

Chief Justice Robin Davis summed up the case in one simple question: "Why does a natural parent have to prove fitness when she has never been found unfit?"

SOURCE: http://www.wvrecord.com/news/203378-supreme-court-restores-full-custody-to-mother-from-babysitters

--------------------------------------------------------------

SEIZED FOR A BLOOD TEST

NEBRASKA—When Mary and Josue Anaya received a letter asking if they would have their new baby Joel, undergo a blood test, they decided not to, citing religious convictions. The couple was shocked when weeks later Sheriff's deputies showed up on their doorstep to seize their six-week-old baby.

No one had informed the couple that if they refused to have the baby tested, he would be placed in foster care. The family’s attorney, Jeff Downing, says that "this is a classic case of the government overreaching and violating a family’s constitutional rights."

Joel is the first baby in Nebraska that has been seized for a mandatory blood test. In this particular case, Downing says, the state "acted first and asked questions later."

The six-week-old was kept in foster care and only reunited with his parents once the blood test was performed and the preliminary results came back.

SOURCE: http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2007/10/26/news/nebraska/doc47214e6a400d4888452933.txt

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These are just a few testimonies amongst MANY that you can find at these links,

http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/washingtontimes/20091120.asp

http://www.parentalrights.org/

There are lots of more information in these websites! Our religion and education decisions are also under direct attack. Please research further, sign the petition and tell a friend! We need to establish our parental rights in the Constitution!

Put a LOGO on your blog at https://www.parentalrights.org/action/blogger

The Purifying Challenge!

2009-01-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

In the evening, I was in the kitchen making dinner. I was tired from writing blogs and was taking a break, but while I was cooking I felt a prompting in my heart from the Lord to create a Purifying Challenge. It became persistent that I had to put my pan aside and go back to the computer to write it.

It amazes me how many Christians do not strive for a pure lifestyle nowdays. Being in the world is like playing in the mud pit. I wrote this challenge and it was something that I have been applying in my own life recently. I threw away twenty movies that I owned so far. I threw away every CD I owned because I knew there was nothing of God in it. I threw away several bags of clothes this year that even though they were trendy, they were revealing and immodest. I quit MySpace several months ago because I couldn't stand looking at the advertisements anymore.

Let us all join the bandwagon and purify our homes, purify our blogs, purify our entertainment collection and purify everything around us! Come to AGMinistries to read the article, "The Purifying Challenge" and get your own banner!

The Significance of Bible Numbers

2009-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Many of us who read the Bible notice that God uses the same numbers over and over in different circumstances. I've often wondered what those numbers meant. I found something online that was fascinating and was very helpful in understanding! I wanted to share it with you all-

1 – Represents absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:21, 22.)

2 – Represents the truth of God’s Word, for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

3 – Represents the Godhead / Trinity. The angels cry “Holy” three times to the triune God (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8.

4 – Represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles.

5 – Represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.

6 – Represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g., sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1. The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18).

7 – Represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1–4, Psalm 119:164, and Exodus 20: 8–11 for just a few of the examples.) The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings.

10 – represents law and restoration. Of course, this includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. See also Matthew 25:1 (ten virgins); Luke 17:17 (ten lepers); Luke 15:8 (healing, ten silver coins).

12 – Represents the church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See Revelation 21.)

40 – Represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days.

50 – represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10), and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2).

70 – Represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin was made up of 70 men. Jesus chose 70 disciples (Luke 10:1). Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 times 7.

Banning of Children's Products! Read Please!

2009-01-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

There is a new law that is being passed called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). While this is a law that bans lead and dangerous chemicals in children's toys and products, it has a terrible impact on others in this nation. Read how this can affect you and your family:

All businesses that sell any children products are required to pay for a third party testing on each product. Large manufacturers may be able to afford this, but small businesses cannot. It can cost thousands of dollars (estimation of at least $4,000 dollars) for one item.

ANYONE who sells any children's items, such as: toys, clothes, cds, dvds, books, homeschooling supplies, bicycles, and so forth has to comply with this new law. We cannot even give any of these things away to charity. The government requires all of it to be disposed. Everything must be certified and tested.

This law passes on Feburary 10th of this year (2009) and after that, it will be illegal to sell or give away these items. The penalty is 100,000 dollars and 5 years in prison.

Thrift stores, libraries, small businesses, Ebay stores and home businesses will suffer greatly from this impact. Amazon has already contacted their vendors and told them to comply with this law and stop selling books that do not meet these requirements.

Read this Article for More Information:
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

What Can We Do About It??

ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines:

1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at 888-531-9070. http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx

Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30,2009. Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov

2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact information, just enter your zip code. http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/

3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue! The top 3 ineach category will be presented to President-elect Obama. http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

4) Sign the petition.http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Writeabout this on your blog. Tell others about this issue andencourage them to do the same.

A Rave

2009-01-07T13:44:00.001-08:00

Miss Jocelyn at her Pondering Heart Blog has created some absolutely stunning banners of the Proverbs 31 woman! I added a few to my blog (at the very end of the right side of my blog). I had to rave about them!! Go check out what she made, HERE and add some to your site!

What Matters the Most

2009-01-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

I know that I have been posting a lot lately about the signs of the times and prophecies. I want all of you to know that we shouldn't fear any of these things. It is not God's intention to bring us any fear, and we shall trust in him and take refuge under his wings. God will take care of his children like he has since the beginning of time.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Do not worry heavily about these times, for they shall all come to pass like God has spoken. The reason I write these things is because we shall see the Lord drawing nigh and take sharing the Gospel and getting right with the Lord more seriously.

"So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors." Mark 13:29

"And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee." Deutronomy 30:1

Let us remember what matters the most. God tells us to love him with all our hearts, mind and strength. God tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. These are the greatest commandments. Let us keep those commandments and observe these all the time.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

And the Lord calls us to GO and preach the Gospel to all the nations.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

Let us never lose sight of what truly matters no matter what.

And rejoice, for we know we are saved! When Jesus comes, we are going home with him! Let us feel exhilirated and remember how thrilling that is! SisterLisa wrote a wonderful post about the excitement of the Lord's coming at AG, "That Feeling of Rapture."

Premios Dardos Award

2009-01-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Lisa Shaw, from "Speak On It With Lisa S," for honoring me with a Premio Dardos Award! This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values with each message they write. Thank you sweet Lisa Shaw for thinking of me! ((HUGS)) _ \ m /

While I would award this to every blogger, I know that I must follow the rules presented to me and they are as follows:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I am encouraged to present this Award to:

1. Fly Away Birdie- by Martha

2. Homespun Life- by Lisa

3. Walking Therin- by Jacque

4. The Daily Planet- by Amanda

5. A Pondering Heart- by Jocelyn

6. Precious in His Sight- by Clara

7. Be of Good Cheer- by Mike

8. Pages of My Heart- by Judy

9. Sharing Life with Lisa- by Lisa S.

10. Planet Williams- by Krystal

11. Holding Forth the Word- by Daniel

12. From the Pages of My Heart- by Jessica

13. Stitches of Grace- by Theresa

14. AgMinistries - by Lisa B.

15. Growing in Grace Magazine- by GGM

God bless every single one of you and I enjoy all your blogs! It is hard for me to choose and single out 15 bloggers because you all are so wonderful to me! Love you guys! _ \ m /

Remodeling!!

2009-01-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! You may notice my blog looks different (if not, then I suggest new prescription glasses, winky). I worked on it all last night. When I added a different template, I accidentally lost all my widgets! What a drag but I am starting over from scratch with this!

I notice that the new year is making a lot of people want new and fresh changes! I'm like that too and thought it was due time for some changes on my Blog! Hope you enjoy it!!

And have a wonderful January!

Needles for the Needy

2009-01-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

My mom and I decided to start a project called "Needles for the Needy" this last month. We have been given so much from the Lord and our cup runneth over! We felt like it would be an honor to give back to others who need it too!

God has placed a burden in our heart for the homeless. We have a personal experience of being homeless for ten years. Growing in Grace Magazine featured an article that I wrote about my experiences called, With No Place to Call Home.

We want to help the homeless by crocheting as many blankets as we can for next winter! I have contacted the local rescue mission and will get a goal number very soon! We wrote a basic pattern of double crochet blankets using two yarns together to make it thicker and warmer for the needy. However, if you have your own blankets that you created and would like to donate, we will welcome those as well!

We also accept any help financially with donations and even donated yarns to help the ladies make more blankets! Come and visit our website and see how you can be involved! Spread the word please! God bless!

Starbucks Revealed.

2008-12-30T22:07:00.001-08:00

Many of us are big fans of starbucks and we have our coffee made just the way we like it. As we excitedly enter the doors, we may notice the weird symbol on their logo. I did at first and then just gradually got used to noticing it that I forgot about it. I stumbled across some websites about the logo and my friend brought me a link that had more information.

The logo is a half fish and half woman creature called a Siren. She entices her victims by promising them sex. Disney changed the image of the Mermaid in a more innocent waif, and many forgot the original image of mermaids.

Starbucks is a two-tailed mermaid. It changed it's image several times over these years and became more subtle, but it's still there.

This starbucks goddess is also known as ISIS.

Isis has six strands of wavy hair. Six is the number of the Kaballistic "Macrocosm," the universe, it being the number of sides of the three-dimensional cube. The wavy lines symbolize vibration - the root nature of all substance.

Isis wears a crown on her head which is a cut up pentegram that represents the world of spirit. This crown could therefore be said to represent the presence of spirit hidden in worldly desire.

The numbers 6 and 5 together combined as 65 is very important in their religion. Six is the number of the macrocosm (the world), and five the number of the microcosm (spiritually developed man.) The number 65 thus symbolizes the power of spiritually evolved Man operating in the world.

Isis appears as fish to symbolize Pisces.

MORE INFO IN DEPTH AT THIS LINK: http://www.nick2211.yage.net/starbucks.htm

Winter Bundle Giveaway!

2008-12-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Miss Jocelyn is having a Winter Bundle Giveaway at her blog, A Pondering Heart! There are $700 dollars worth of giveaways and many awesome prizes!! Go to her blog and see how you can enter!!