No Doubt - Encouragement for Christians

Many times Christians need encouragement and to be reminded how trustworthy God is. 
Sometimes I wonder if my faith is anywhere near as big as a mustard seed!
God proves Himself over and over, and yet my faith is weak enough that I need to remind myself over and over what the Bible says and what the truth is.  I'm so thankful that God is patient with His children, and that He does give us wisdom when we ask.  He is trustworthy no matter what our feelings say to us.
I prayed before composing this post, because I want to please God with what I say.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 
For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 NASB

May this song encourage you today!



We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NASB

Never For Nothing

Do you ever get discouraged at the response you get when you show love to others in service or in bringing them the Gospel?
Sometimes it may feel like it has all been for nothing, but I know that God will bring about His purposes and fulfill His Word. (Isaiah 55:11)
Also, whatever I do should be for the Lord rather than for men. (Colossians 3:23)

I also know that if I am doing something out of love for God and loving others that God has His own purposes even when I don't see them. Sometimes people will take offense and not see the love in what is done or said.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas to you (tomorrow)!

My hands have been hurting to use them a lot lately, so I really should try not to say a lot on this post.

I'm thankful that Jesus came to earth and lived the perfect life that I couldn't and died for my sins and the sins of all who will repent and trust in Him and believe that He rose from the dead as well.

Bryan Duncan is someone whose music I enjoyed over the years, and I saw him in concert a number of times as a teenager. 
Yes, I went to a lot of concerts when I was young!

Like many Christian artists his life has had it's share of troubles, and he is not someone that I look to as an example to follow (not as a spiritual leader in other words).
I hope that you enjoy the song!



If you cannot get it to play, try a different browser. 

Christmas, Indifference & Anxiety

There are three things done by John MacArthur I am sharing today that I found interesting and helpful.

 

• The first is about the real meaning of Christmas and what it isn't about as well.

           You can find it by clicking here.

• The next one is about "The People Who Missed Christmas."  Click here.

• Anxiety and panic are things that I struggle with myself.  I know God is in control,but still I battle and fight unreasonable fears at times.  Even when it seems reasonable to be nervous, I have to continually remind myself that God is trustworthy and to cast my anxiety on the Lord.

Insight Into Paul Washer (Interview), Replacing Worry, Supreme Court Judging Marriage, Believing the Worst

Earlier this month I heard an interview with Paul Washer that Tim Challies shared on his blog.
It will give you some insight into Paul Washer that you may not have heard before.

 John MacArthur had a blog post not long ago that is convicting about replacing worry.  I do struggle with anxiety and worry too often, and I keep reminding myself to give things and situations to God.  There have been times where I have felt peace though, and lately when I've been floundering I am frustrated with myself.
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B121126

Recently the Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases regarding homosexuals and marriage.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/12/10/supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-two-same-sex-marriage-cases/

I just read a post today by Tim Challies that I really can identify with.   I have jumped to wrong conclusions about people before, and I have been hurt or angry without first asking questions.
I've also been on the other end where I have felt condemned and judged for my imperfections when I make mistakes or people have rejected me. 
I'm not saying that there aren't cases to confront people.  There are. 
When I care about someone, I should not automatically assume the worst, but sadly I do at times. 
I would hope that people will forgive me for that.  That doesn't mean I'm always wrong in my assumptions or feelings.  I need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger though!
Below is a link to Challies' blog post:

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/believing-the-worst-of-those-who-love-me-most

The Heart of Christmas

The heart of Christmas is Jesus.

He is no longer in a manger.  He lived the perfect life we couldn't and died for sins and rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

This song went along with a very sad movie that I would not recommend for men to watch.   It was a lot about kids with cancer and parents though, and a lot of us have known or know people who have cancer who aren't kids as well.
What matters most is whether they have repented and trusted in Jesus.  
For those who have, they have so much more to look forward to than this life.
So, yes, let's cherish the ones we love and let them know it and make sure they know about the Savior.
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, or if this will be our last day here on earth.

This song is mostly a feel good song, but I still enjoy it.


Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas from matthew-west on GodTube.

"Once A Year" - A New Josh Wilson Christmas Song Featuring Andrew Peterson

Yesterday, my new Josh Wilson CD Noel arrived in the mail.
I had previously reviewed the album from the lengthy samples I had heard, and I still enjoy the newest songs the most.  "Christmas Changes Everything," "Almost Christmas," "Once a Year," and last year's song "Jesus is Alive" are the ones I recommend the most.

He posted one of those songs yesterday online, so now I can share it with you as well!
It's about giving and loving, and it focuses on that it doesn't have to be only at Christmas.  Andrew Peterson is featured on this song, and there is one part especially where you get a flavor of his music style in this video.

Free Will vs. Predestination

 Recently I got involved in an online discussion with another woman on the the subject of free will vs. predestination.  I have edited and reordered some of my responses to share with people here.  I hope that people will understand that if you disagree that I do not hate you.  It is more for the purpose of persuasion and showing verses that support what I say.  If this seems too much like teaching and you are a man, you do not need to read further.  Also, this particular post is meant for Christians. 

Do you believe that faith is something that we do to gain salvation or that it is a gift of God given to us by His grace? 

Ephesians 2:8-10 not only points out that faith is a gift of God and not of works, but it also points out that God even prepared the good works Christians will do beforehand that we should walk in them. Even with vs. 5 of Ephesians 2 you can see that we were dead in our transgressions and God made us alive. A dead person cannot choose anything without God first making him alive.  He makes us alive and changes our will. 
 
even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),    Ephesians 2:5 NASB

Here are some more verses that point out God's sovereignty and choosing:

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. John 6:37

And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." John 6:65 (all in NASB)

The "whoever" that believe or call upon the name of the Lord are the ones that in love He predestined to be adopted. ( Ephesians 1:4-6 )  All that the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him. When we say otherwise, we are questioning God's power / sovereignty. People do choose to sin ... that is all they can do apart from God's doing ... and they are happy to do so, but God in His love and mercy chose to save some ... not on the basis of what they have done. 
 
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5

What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. Romans 9:14-18 NASB
 
 Before Jacob and Esau were born God had already chosen one over the other ... before they had done good or bad.

You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?  Romans 9:19-22 NASB

Here is a link that I would recommend reading through:

http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A167/gods-absolute-sovereignty

Mary Did You Know - Cover By Hannah Coulombe

Thanksgiving Day has passed, but I still have much to be thankful for.
Although Christmas originally was meant to be a replacement for a pagan holiday, I still find it to be a great way to remember God's coming to earth in the form of a man.  I know He was 100% God and 100% man, and it's an amazing thing to think about.

I know that Jesus came to live the perfect life and die for the sins of all who would repent and put their trust in Him, and that He rose from the dead (which without that I would have no hope).   Not only that, I know that He fulfilled all of the prophecy that was given regarding the Messiah in the Old Testament.  Isaiah 53 is one of the passages that can be really amazingly clear for me to see that. 

The video I'm sharing today contemplates whether Mary understood all that Jesus would do and that He would be her Savior as well.  Well, we know that she did not fully understand everything or know all that Jesus would do, but she did know that she was a bondslave (Luke 1:48) and that she needed a Savior.

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. Luke 1:47

I shared another video with Hannah Coulombe in the past, and I thought you might enjoy hearing her cover of this song.  The words are by Mark Lowry and the music by Buddy Greene.

 

Where Are The Other Nine?

Our pastor gave a good message Sunday on thankfulness that was based on the the Biblical account of Jesus and the 10 lepers.

First of all the lepers had to go by faith to do what Jesus told them before they were cleansed.  
Out of the 10 lepers, only the Samaritan praised God and came back and worshiped Jesus as King.

As someone who has been a Christian a long time, I realize that I myself often take my salvation for granted when I shouldn't.

I was reminded of this song that I used to hear many years ago sung by Geoff Moore. 

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Do you ever feel like you want to crawl under a blanket and shut everything out?
When stress gets high and the world is sinking down, my only hope and Rock of refuge is Jesus.
There are times when I need to pull back for awhile when I am feeling overwhelmed.  I need to refocus on God, and cast my anxieties on Him.  He is my refuge and strength.  I am thankful for His promises.  He is faithful and will not let me go. 

Psalm 91:2
Psalm 56:3-4
Psalm 55:22
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 61:1-4

This video sums up how I feel at times...whether it's stress dealing with people, situations, pain, or because the weather is cold!  ☺   Still, I must remember God's promises and press on after praying and being reminded of His promises.  He will never leave me or forsake me.

The Death of a Nation as We Once Knew It - The U.S.A.

The U.S. election results from this week saddened many Christians.  We prayed for mercy and some of us cast our votes for the lesser judgment.  More and more Americans have drifted from acknowledging God and turned to worship self or things or other people.  They no longer observe the facade of believing what they have rejected.   We are living in a time when Romans 1 is being lived out in America.  God is giving the nation over to all kinds of sin and degrading passions.  America has been destroying hundreds of thousands of  babies every year for a long time now by abortion.  No, we aren’t the only nation participating in these behaviors...murder and immorality.  It is just sad to see the death of a nation.

Many of our churches teach false doctrine or keep the flock at baby level.  Then when teenagers leave the church and turn away from God the people wonder why.  What was the Gospel message that they heard?  Did they hear that all sins that they commit...such as lying, lusting, hate, stealing, worshiping idols or self are sins against a perfect Holy Righteous Judge that they will one day face? The just punishment for those sins is eternal punishment in Hell.
Works will not save anyone from hell.  The only thing that will save is faith in Jesus who took the punishment for all who truly confess and turn from their sins and turn to God (repent) and trust in Jesus' death on the cross for their sins and believe that He bodily rose from the dead.

The people who try to claim that they don’t believe in God or can’t know anything actually do know that God exists, but they suppress the truth in unrighteousness.   Doing so helps make them feel more comfortable about their sin and keeps them from acknowledging that they will be held accountable one day.  Yet many of these people would admit there are some things that they personally feel is wrong.

Apart from God, nobody can have a basis to claim anything as right or wrong. If someone came to the door of someone they loved and wanted to kill them, on what basis could anybody claim that their decision was morally wrong if there was no absolute truth?   But there is absolute Truth, and the people of this nation need to hear the Gospel and repent. 

If you are a Christian, when is the last time you made some effort to get the Gospel out? 
What have we done to encourage others to give the Gospel out? 
Beyond the Gospel, what can be done to get churches out of their un-Biblical practices and encourage them to teach the Word of God and evangelize?  I will leave that to godly Christian men, but sometimes it is so frustrating in a place where there are numerous churches and many of them not following Scripture.  There are many false converts out there lost and thinking they are saved as well.  I am so blessed to have a good church even though it is quite a ways to go and we don’t always make it.  I listened to one of the messages that I missed in person, and it was really good!  

Fantastic Rendition of How Deep The Father's Love For Us

The church I attend uses old and modern hymns for the singing part of the worship service. 
Not too long ago I was searching for a video of one of the songs we have sung there entitled "How Deep The Father's Love For Us.".
I remember we sang this song at at least one other church in the past...perhaps more than one!

There are so many different videos, but I wanted to find something that was unique and yet did not annoy me with the photos or sound.  I found something unique for sure!  The song is sung in English, but I have no idea what is being said when talking is going on.  Still, it is wonderful to see that good songs can aid in worship around the world!  I know that worship is not just about music, but it can be an overflow of our thanksgiving and praise to the God who is worthy of our worship.

Striving for Eternity Academy, Abortion & Adoption Awareness

In recent weeks I was introduced to an online class that is taught by a guy named Andrew Rappaport of Striving for Eternity.  

This past Monday the storm Sandy prevented the show from airing live, because the internet and electricity was lost on his end.  So far he has covered the attributes and names of God, and I look forward to continuing to audit the class and enjoy chatting in the chat room as well.

You can also choose to be a paid student with a lot of extra perks.
If you would like to join in, it normally airs Mondays at 8 PM Eastern time here in the U.S.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/striving-for-eternity

If you are interested to know what the statement of belief is for Striving for Eternity, click here.

Is the church responsible for the continuation of abortion here in the U.S.?  R.C. Sproul, Jr. did a thought provoking blog post on this recently that you can check out:

http://highlandsministriesonline.org/kingdom-notes/talkin-bout-my-generation/

November is Adoption Awareness Month.  Grace Community Church has a site that is called Hands for Hope that focuses on adoption.  John MacArthur highlights adoption in the video below.  http://www.gracechurch.org/ministries/about.aspx?MinistryID=138

Pastor MacArthur on Adoption from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.

The Story Behind Josh Wilson's Song "Before The Morning"

Last year I shared the "Before the Morning" song that Josh Wilson wrote.
Well, at some point I came across the story behind the song that gives some deeper insight to it.
The story is a difficult one.  It is encouraging to not only have hope for this life, but to remember if you are a believer that you have an eternal hope.  If you do not yet have that certainty, please visit the website:  http://needGod.com

You may have a life threatening situation in your life or you may not.  I hope that by God's grace that my faith in Him and worship for Him increases and is increasing through the trials that I face.

Heaven, Voting, Busyness & Abortion Letter

Here are some miscellaneous items that I found worth sharing with you:

What is Heaven like and should we trust modern books of experiences to give us accurate views? Phil Johnson's article here has a good answer for you.

The Burpo-Malarkey Doctrine - Phil Johnson

 

This blog post gives a worthwhile explanation on the purpose of voting ... a "functional view."

What Am I Doing When I Vote? - Kevin DeYoung

Challies' reminds us to set aside time to be effective in the things that God would want us to do.

I'm Not Busy! - Tim Challies  

 

The following video that a number of my friends have already seen is the story of a mother who had an abortion, and her feelings are expressed later through a letter.

In Christ Alone (Newsboys with Peter Furler)

My friends have been sharing this song lately, and we've sung it at church...including yesterday!
I first heard it sung by the Newboys many years ago, even though it was not written by Peter Furler or Steve Taylor or any other of the Newsboys.

Of course, Peter Furler is not with the Newboys anymore, as he took some time off and then went solo.  I love his On Fire album from 2011 by the way!

I'm partial to who I heard sing "In Christ Alone" first.  I think that most people are that way, although I have liked more than one singer's version of some songs.   For me it is less distracting to stick with the old.

This is an excellent worship song, and I was quite surprised to see that the website recommended on this video is one that I am VERY familiar with!  Many of my blog viewers will also be pleasantly surprised.

That's http://needGod.com

The Consolations of the Lord

 As many of you now know, I have had increasing physical problems lately that have limited me more and more in recent times (Fibromyalgia, P.O.T.S. and possibly neurocardiogenic syncope, etc.).   During this time I have discovered others who suffer from similar trials in their life, and I want to encourage them with some verses that have ministered to me both now and over the years.  I also know that it is easy to get depressed over what you have lost, the limitations, the pain, the dizziness, the isolation that these things can bring.  I've found that it helps to get the mind off of self and onto God and others.  Sometimes that means additional pain, dizziness & head ringing for me by my using the internet to try to encourage others, share the Gospel & to fellowship with other believers when I cannot see them in person.  Yes, there can be stress and emotional distress, but these are all cares I try to cast on the Lord and trust to His will.  

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  Psalm 55:22

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.  Psalm 94:19

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.  Psalm 46:1-3

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?  My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.  He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 121:1-3

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. 
Psalm 27:13-14

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 42:11

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.  When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.  I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.  Psalm 37:23-25

All Scriptures are in the NASB version.

Don't Let It Slip On By

I don't know who sings this song, but the story in it is very touching about not missing opportunities to get close to and spend time with those in your family.
 
Even those serving in ministries need to remember the ministry they have with their own family.  Time is fleeting, and those at home or closest to us are impacted by what is done or isn't done as well.  Also, sometimes people can so focus on ministry that they miss out on getting to know the people that God might use as a blessing, encouragement or an instrument of growth in their lives....as well as others they might minister to and ignore instead.

Being limited by Fibromyalgia, P.O.T.S. and possible neurocardiogenic syncope issues I have a lot more time to think, but even I can get sidetracked by things online.  I want to be an encouragement and care about those God brings into my life in person or online.
Here are some verses I found that go along with the sentiments of the song I'm sharing today.
Romans 12:10
Ephesians 6:2
Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 5:15-16

I find the scrapbook photo style of this video rather unique and fun. 


Finding Favour - Slip On By (Lyric Video) from goteerecords on GodTube.

Josh Wilson Presents Noel

I've been listening to samples of Josh Wilson's upcoming Christmas album Josh Wilson Presents Noel that is coming out tomorrow. 
One of the songs is "Jesus Is Alive" which was his hit song from last year.
There is another interesting surprise song featuring Andrew Peterson that is entitled "Once a Year" that encourages people to love like it's Christmas more than once a year.   This is so true that we need to care about people all year long.
The "Go Tell It on The Mountain" song featuring Mandisa is rather jazzy for my taste.
"Almost Christmas" is lively and has a very much Josh Wilson classic feel and is another original.
While I enjoyed a number of the classic Christmas songs that he did for this new album, my favorite new song from the samples at this point is "Christmas Changes Everything."

The full song list on the iTunes Australia website is:

The First Noel (Instrumental)
Jesus Is Alive
Go Tell it on the Mountain (featuring Mandisa)
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Christmas Changes Everything
Almost Christmas
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Carol of the Bells (Instrumental)
Angels We Have Heard On High
Once a Year (featuring Andrew Peterson)

Here is a video with part of a song that didn't make the album:

One Thing Have I Desired - Worship Song

I have mentioned before that I watch On The Box which is an online show done by the people at Living Waters Ministries. Well, one of the guys who occasionally comes on the show goes by the name of "Scotty." His name apparently is actually Stuart Scott.
I was surprised to learn that he had put together this song (with Biblical words included)that I was very familiar with from years ago.
There were a couple of old cassette tapes with worship music that were very helpful in soothing people during stressful times. I believe this song was on one of those tapes!


One thing have I desired - Maranatha Music/ Stuart Scott from everflowinglife2 on GodTube.

Fabulous Worship Music Sung By Grace Chung

I watched and heard a great message online today that John MacArthur gave (September 30th, 2012) at Grace Community Church.  Last week's message was also excellent, and I hope that they will both be put out very soon in whatever format they are working on.

Anyway, Grace Chung sang a song by Keith and Kristyn Getty and really did a fantastic rendition.  Sadly I cannot share that on video, but I found online a video where she had sung the song at Grace in the past.  The sound quality is not what  I would like, but I still am going to share what I did find.

The song is entitled "Still, My Soul Be Still" and if you like highbrow superb singing then you will not be disappointed!

Words Matter

Someone shared this video with me that is very revealing about the U.S. President.

 Can you trust this man to tell the truth?

 

"180" Movie A Year Later

A year ago on September 25^th a shocking life changing video entitled “180” Movie came out online.

It’s official release date was on the 26^th, and it had over 1 million views by October 18^th, 2011.

It now has over 3.4 Million views online alone. That doesn’t take into account the thousands of DVDs that have been distributed in various places around the U.S. and even the world.

You can watch it yourself now on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI

or at

http://180movie.com

It has closed captions in many languages and a Spanish dubbed version called 180 Pelicula.

Please feel free to put comments on the YouTube video.


What made this under 34 minute documentary video spread like wildfire especially in it’s early days?

The video goes through the history of Adolph Hitler, and then it places people in an ethics situation of deciding what they would have done in a certain situation that would require them to make a decision about the value of life.

Then the interviewer (Ray Comfort) goes into the subjects of abortion and if people consider themselves good people. The video shows up the moral inconsistencies that people have, and yes, it also has a Gospel message.

This film has educated people on history and changed people’s minds on the subject of abortion and is influencing decisions on voting. Some have even professed to have repented and put their trust in Jesus after seeing this movie.

Here were some early comments people made about 180 Movie:

“Your film just led a 17 year old girl away from abortion.”
“From someone that been Pro-choice this video changed my view on life completely.”
“I was always pro-choice and now i am pro-life after watching such a powerful video.”
“It changed my mind and made me aware that I’ve got to make a stand on this issue.”
Many Christian leaders and others endorsed “180” Movie or made positive comments on it (John MacArthur, Jr., Joni Eareckson Tada, Randy Alcorn, etc., etc).

If you want to learn more how you can get involved or to make media inquiries, you can go to:
http://www.heartchanger.com/

God Holds The Future

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. 
When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 NASB

It is a comfort to know that God is in control of  the circumstances of my life.  It is so easy for me to desire to control what happens in some way.  It's pretty ludicrous for me to think  that way, but still it is something that we as humans tend to do.

My lifespan, my health, my needs....all of that is dependent on God's sovereign will and provision.
The more limited I become in life, the more I feel my dependency.
I am thankful that I have a God who loves me and will be with me in the valleys, and if I should die I know that He will still be with me to hold my hand.  It brings tears to my eyes to think about that, and it also gives me peace.

This song is an old David Meece one that speaks of God holding the future.

The Test That I Never Want To Have Again - A Personal Story

My tilt table test is over thankfully.  It was a horrible ordeal that I NEVER want to go through again.

I didn't sleep the night before the test which I'm sure didn't help matters.  Thankfully we had a safe trip, and although it was cloudy it didn't rain until after we were there.  Everyone seemed to be friendly at the hospital...even people in the second waiting room I went to.

There was a young pastor from another state talking with an older woman from the same place he was from that I handed "180" Movie business cards to, as I thought they could watch it and share it with others.  Before the young pastor from Virginia left, he offered to pray for me and did.  Wow!  I hadn't wanted to bother my own pastor to come...even though he kindly offered.  I wasn't having surgery.

Well, the test itself was another matter.  They make you get in a gown and hook electrodes to you.  Then they put something on your finger and a bloodpressure cuff on one arm and put an IV in the other.
Next, they strap you to a table/bed that had a place to rest your feet.  At some point they tilt you up to a standing position pretty much. You feel like you are in one of those old movies where they strap someone to a wagon wheel or board and use the person for a target.  No, they didn't spin me around.  Who needed that.  After awhile of standing I began to have some difficulty breathing and then started to feel more faint.  My stomach started to hurt and I felt like I was going to faint.  It got worse and worse and I felt like there was a cold fire and black before my eyes.  I was pretty much yelling begging for her to help me and stop it and saying I didn't want to faint.  I felt awful!  It got to the point where I got softer, because I didn't have the ability to hardly get anything out.  From my point of view I never fainted, although at one point I did stop talking and hoped that if I was going to that it would hurry up.  Also, it was so black that I wasn't sure if my eyes were open or closed.

Well, once she was satisfied my numbers were bad enough and thought I had fainted she began to let me down.  I felt like throwing up, but I didn't.  I also felt like someone that had been sunburned all over.  I felt worse after that experience than I ever had before it, and I struggled with feeling faint the next day as well.
The lady was (probably jokingly) complaining that it happened too soon.  She hadn't even finished filling out the paperwork.  I didn't even have to get the nitroglycerin under the tongue.
I got my diagnosis, but what a way to do it!
She also joked that they had a buy one get one free test.  I didn't want it and let her know she could give it to someone else.  Then I suggested the doctor could have it.  After all, if he has his patients put through it, then shouldn't he be willing to experience it?

My family members came in with some Famous Amos cookies that some Baptist church people gave them, and my Mom rewarded me with a yummy coffee drink.  We went out to eat at the Cracker Barrel and went to a hotel where I rested awhile.  It was raining by then and was pouring the next day as well.

I'm thankful that God helped me through that traumatic experience and that it is over.  I'm thankful that He allowed for me to have some pleasant distracting thoughts and some fun chatting the night before the test.

My diagnosis?   Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Now I have both Fibromyalgia and P.O.T.S. to live with. 

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 NASB
 

God Is Faithful In The Shadowland

Have you ever noticed that in the Bible you often see people going over and reminding themselves about what God has already done for them and for Israel in the past?

I believe that is a great example for me.  When I struggle with anxiety and lack of faith in God's taking care of me when I get stressed, I find it's helpful to remember that God has always taken care of me in the past as well.

Having grown up in a home where my Dad  was doing a ministry for many years, we sometimes were in the position where we didn't know where the money would come from to support us and the ministry.  Then God would provide for us ... sometimes from unexpected sources.

One time we were feeling the need to move from a house that had a mold issue in it that my parents were renting.  We prayed as a family one night and during the prayer time a phone call came from a man telling us about a house for rent!

There are just so many situations that God has helped me through.  Sometimes I have felt I couldn't stand pain or more recently dizziness and head ringing any longer.  I know that God knows more what I can stand better than I do ... which is often more than I think I can.  There are so many people out there suffering.  I know that God has a purpose in trials for me.  My desire is to have joy and faith in God during the trial.  I want to please God even in the shadowland.  He is faithful.

Sometimes the best way to go forward in faith is to remember God's role in the past.
I hope you can enjoy this lighthearted song by Josh Wilson which is another good reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

Remembering September 11, 2001 And It's Aftermath

11 years ago today, America was viciously attacked by terrorists and many people died.

Afterwards a lot of people acknowledged God’s existence and flocked to churches for answers.

Sadly for most of these people their interest was short-lived, and they forgot the feelings they had and did not repent and trust in Christ. We now see how far away people have turned when we hear just as many if not more people at a Democratic convention yell to keep God’s name out of their platform.

The Republican party acknowledges God, but what god are many of them acknowledging?

There is only one true God, and the Word of God the Bible explains Him to us.

What about those who do not acknowledge His existence? What does the Bible say about them?

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds;
There is no one who does good.
The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men
To see if there are any who understand,
Who seek after God.
They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good, not even one.Psalm 14:1-3 NASB

How should people think about the bad things that happen?

I know from the Bible that God works through even the evil and bad things to bring about His purposes.

Genesis 50:20 -  Joseph tells his brothers who sold him into slavery that what they meant for evil God meant for good.

Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

“Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 NASB

The Bible mentions that even His enemies will give feigned obedience or worship in certain circumstances:

Psalm 66:3

Philippians 1:9-11
When people persecute Christians, what can I find in the Bible that encourages me with that kind of suffering?

2 Timothy 3:12 lets me know that I will be persecuted.

Matthew 10:28-39 - Nothing can separate me from God’s love.

Romans 8:28 - All things work together for my good, and persecution won’t change my standing/calling before God.

James 1:2-3 - Tells me that I should consider it joy when I have trials, because it produces endurance and perfects me.

If you are an unbeliever and are curious to learn more, please download the booklet “For Your Joy” at the following link:

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/for-your-joy

 

My Continuing Saga for September

Recently I went to a specialist that had bad reviews online.
I was fearful of how he might behave, but I made it through okay...alive anyway.  I certainly was praying!  My highllights of the day were going to Chick-Fil-A to eat and giving 1 Million dollar tracts to a couple of highway patrol officers there.

Doctors are crazy people!  They want you to have tests to assimilate awful things. 
I had one test already where the goal seems to be to get a person to have a seizure. 
Three doctors want me to have a different test where they want to see if they can make me faint!  Thanks a lot docs. !
I felt like I was going to faint just getting my blood taken for some tests already. 
Yes, they used the smelly stuff under my nose, ice on my neck, a fan, etc.!  I've been feeling dizzy and sometimes faint for nearly two months now, so why not make sure of it?  Ugh!

The seizure test I had was an EEG.  This is to check out how my brain reacts to certain stimuli apparently.  A person rubs and irritates and marks up your head and sticks a bunch of electrodes or something to you. 
They flash lights before your closed eyes and make you hyperventilate to the point where you are feeling like passing out and pretty much begging to quit, but they won't let you.  Meanwhile I had a bad headache.  The result?   Non-specifically abnormal.  I guess that describes me pretty well. 
Thankfully I didn't have a seizure.

For the next test they want me to have, they will tilt me up on a table they strap me to I assume and do their best to make me faint to see what is causing my near syncope (near fainting). 
I've been trying not to faint, and this doesn't sound like my idea of an amusement ride.  I suppose they might get some sadistic amusement out of it.  
The good news is that my heart seems to be okay at this point, so it likely isn't the culprit.



Since I shared with you the progress of of our sunroom/laundry room, I thought I'd share a photo of the finished project. It only took them a month!

  

 

Are There Exceptions For Abortion?

So many people try to differentiate abortions by situation.
Does the motive behind an abortion or the criminal behavior of one parent (the father) make a difference in the humanity of a conceived human being?
If a crime is done to you, does that justify the taking of an innocent human life? 
What about the the babies who survive abortions?  Are their lives valuable?
If a mother's life is in danger, does that mean that the baby's life should be ignored ... or do you feel that if at all possible that both should be cared for? 
If human life is valuable in most cases to you, why is it not valuable in all cases? 

If you haven't already seen it, please check out the 180 Movie documentary here.  It really points out where moral relativity can lead. 

Recently, a video has been passed around and shared in various places that puts a human face on the issue of abortion.  It also exposes how callousness towards life can make the convenience of doctors outweigh the life of a child already born.



To see a great blog post by Denny Burk who also shared this video, please click here.

Is murder only wrong in some cases and not in others? 
I think that most people know that the taking of innocent human life is wrong.  Our conscience pricks us when we do wrong, and the Bible makes it fully clear that murder is a sin against God.
I certainly believe that all conceived babies are fully human and thus deserving of protection and care. 
God is the Author of life and Fashioner of the pre-born (Psalm 139:15-16). Only those that deny scientific knowledge of the beginnings of human life or place little value on life because of their denial of God or are afraid of or ignorant of the facts will continue to callously insist that abortion is okay.
This doesn't mean that I don't care about the mothers' lives that are in danger or that in other case that crimes have been committed against women that resulted in the conceiving of a child.  When a father is guilty of rape, then he should be punished and not be allowed to have the same parental rights as in other cases.  The child is not responsible for a father's crime.  In the other situation ... when a mother's life is at risk in pregnancy all should be done to save both lives.
 

Amazing 10 Year Old Girl Sings & Plays The Way by Jeremy Camp

This cover of Jeremy Camp's song "The Way" is sung by a 10 year old girl named Mandi.   Apparently she is taking ukulele and also is able to play the piano and drums as well! Her voice is a little hoarse as mine was when I was a a child to a point, but she sings on key and radiates a joyful expression that is contagious!

I shared this awhile ago on Facebook, but it is so cute and fun that I decided to share it for people on my blog as well!

Actually, I feel the lyrics are not quite contextual, as the groaning and longing is looking to our final adoption / redemption of our bodies. I get the impression that Jeremy was thinking of now rather than the future, but I hope that won't spoil your enjoyment of the song!



For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 
For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 
And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 
But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Romans 8:20-25 NASB

Will I Be Voting In The 2012 Presidential Race?

I was in a quandary of whether to not vote in the 2012 Presidential race, because I don't trust Romney on the life and marriage issues, etc.

It was with prayerful consideration that I decided that I would wait to see who he picked for VP. If the person was pro-life and pro-marriage, then I would be voting for him more than I would be voting for Romney.

Many leaders in the Bible were unbelievers and even the priests of God were disobedient sinners as in Samuel's time. People who call themselves Christians are often not truly Christians.

If someone like Obama claims to be a Christian, does that mean we vote for him? May it never be!  Mitt Romney is also not a Christian.  So, there is no current major candidate who is a Christian or holds 100% to my worldview / values.

We are to pray for leaders and respect their position.

Romans 13 says that all authority is from God. In general they are there to punish evil behavior.

Of course, when there is a true Christian candidate who is competent - meeting the requirements of authority and also supporting my worldview - I would prefer them over someone who is not a Christian.

It is your right not to vote if you should so decide, but as a Christian I would rather see some lives saved than someone who voted in a way that babies could be killed even after birth (Obama...see http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/unearthed-audio-obama-calls-newborn-baby-a-fetus-outside-of-the-womb).

Do not forget that voting for Paul Ryan means that he could be the tie breaker in the U.S. Senate on a pro-life or pro-marriage issue.

So, even though I am not a Roman Catholic, I will vote more for Ryan than Romney to possibly save lives. Pray about it and please don't judge people who have struggled with the issue and not ignored the Bible or conscience. I respect your right not to vote if you should so decide, and I also respect your right to vote for an alternative candidate even though they will likely not be able to win.

Go with your conscience as the Bible would instruct....like as in eating meat.

Are You a RADICAL Christian? (Paul Washer Video Clip)

I recently came across this video clip of the end of a message that Paul Washer gave to youth, and it is very impassioned and worth watching and sharing with every Christian you know.

How radical of a Christian are you? What are you willing to sacrifice or do for the Lord? How much do you love God? What in your life do people see that reflects your heart and beliefs?

 
Radical Christian - Paul Washer from ibh1 on GodTube.

Fantastic Cover of Peter Furler's Song "Reach" by Teenager Patrick Rose

I really love Peter Furler's singing, so when this cover version of "Reach" came to my attention I wasn't sure that I would like it. 

I found that this teenager really did a fantastic job though!
He even added small touches of his own which did not take away from the overall original tune.

While I still love Peter's voice and version best, I give Patrick Rose an A+ for doing a great cover version!

My sharing this song does not in any way mean that I'm giving any overall endorsement to this guy or his church denomination affiliation, etc.

Never Give Up Praying For the Lost

Never give up praying and hoping for people to repent and trust in Christ.
Below the video that I'm sharing today I'm also posting a link that is really encouraging about praying for the lost as well.

In the following video John MacArthur shares the story of his coach Jim Brownfield with whom he came into contact with over many many years. If you haven't heard this story, then please be patient with the video quality and sound.  It is well worth the patience!


Click here to read an excellent John MacArthur article about praying with passion for the lost.

Have You Ever Had One of Those Days?

I've been feeling extra dizzy again lately. I lost sleep with the stupid monitor beeping at me. I started out the morning having someone at the monitoring place treating me like I was a dunce. I had to go outside in the rain trying to get the event to send, but it wasn't working. The man wasn't hearing me part of the time, so there I was out in back practically yelling in the phone (still in my pjs...which can pass for regular clothing). Our metal roof keeps the monitor from automatically sending from the house...that and bad signals from where we live. Finally he let me send manually over the phone. I listened to a John MacArthur message (The Sovereign Servant Pt. 1) at home with my Mom using my computer as the other one still wasn't finished downloading after probably a half hour. Turns out our pastor had a bad day too from what family told me. The podium fell on his toe and hurt it (maybe broke it), and the piano wasn't working. How is your day going?

My Dental & Medical Adventures

Most of us get stuck with those dentist appointments once or twice a year for cleaning, check-ups, and x-rays.  Right?  Well, I had one of those this week...and I survived!  The hygienist mentioned a tooth they were keeping an eye on.  I told her that if there was an eye in my mouth it was getting scratched. (She had been using a pick in my mouth.)
When the dentist came in and mentioned keeping an eye on different teeth, I commented on all the eyes in my mouth.  I said, "Keep your eye out of my mouth!"  He said, "Point taken."
Then he began to tell me ways they could improve my smile.  I said I shouldn't smile.  Then I said, "How about your smile?"
I think the hygienist laughed at that.  The dentist has a sort of smile on his face.

As the dentist left he said, "Have a nice Fall."  I said, "I don't want to fall!  I've been trying not to!"
(I had previously explained the fact that I had been having dizziness recently.)  He mentioned about having to be careful around the wordsmith.  I'm sure I probably gave them their amusement for the day...I hope.
If I had been even sharper I could have mentioned how he enjoyed picking on my teeth.

Today I went to the hospital for some tests.  One was an MRI.  Many of you know what that's like.  Claustrophobia when you first go in and then the war begins.  Clunk clunk, buzz, buzz, bang bang!  After the second test which they ended up doing shortly after that, we came out to see my doctor coming down the hall.  He asked if I was done with the tests and let me know he'd be looking at the results.

I came home after that to hear ... thump thump, bang, bang, buzz, buzz, saw, saw!  I can't get away from the MRI noises! Actually, some workers were putting up the drywall in our new room.
Meanwhile I'm a little dizzier from skipping my medicine last night.  Thankfully I'm still improved over the worst of the dizziness that I had.  I can walk around without hanging onto a wall or a walker at least!

Making Progress

Room Progression

In the midst of all that's going on in our family, we have a room being added that is a sunroom / laundry room combination.  It will be a big help to have laundry on the main level. 
It's progressing pretty quickly, and the first stages you see here were all done in about the first 10 or 11 days I think.  It's looking pretty well finished on the outside now!  A lot is now hooked up and insulated.  It still needs drywall and paint and flooring though!

Medically, I've got a few appointments this week. My dizziness has been easing up.  I'm still taking medicine and trying some exercises.

My Personal Short Story

A dark haired woman walks back and forth down a hall.  The temperature is warm and music is playing.  Her perception is off with tight muscles in her head and feelings as though her head is a buoy bobbing about in the water.  Suddenly she stops and grabs the wall in a doorway. Her head is feeling a sinking feeling and she slides quickly down into a crouch.  She makes an exclamation and family members come with pillows to put under her feet and head so that she may lie down with her legs raised up.
After awhile, she is able to sit up and lean against a closed door.  Phone calls are made.  No, she doesn't want to go to the E.R.  She's done that before.

The following day this same lady goes in for a same day appointment to satisfy her family.  A number of medical tests are ordered.  She goes out to eat for a family member's birthday meal, and her head feels like it's closing in on her with the sounds and dizziness.  Still, she manages to make it through and makes another stop on the way home.  Perhaps this woman is foolish, but she is also tired of staying at home often in bed.  This woman is me.  Likely you already figured that out!
Yes, but sometimes lately I feel a little improved laying down or reclining.  Hey, well I managed to sneak a tract amongst magazines at the doctor's and put "180" Movie business cards stacked at a table near the door of the restaurant!  Also, I hope that I made my family member's birthday a little happier!

Whatever is going on with my feeling dizzy most all of the time, I know that God won't give me more than I can bear.  Sometimes I wonder how far that will go!  Yes, now and then I panic...especially at night.  Fibromyalgia and the recent often dehabilitating dizziness can be discouraging, but even through this time I hope that I have ministered to some of my online friends while pushing myself to not give up. 

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:7 NASB

Talented 9 Year Old Girl Sings How Great Thou Art

We had quite a bit of rain recently...even some flooding. I sometimes think of the hymn How Great Thou Art when I hear thunder and see lightning outside. I searched for a video of the song and stumbled upon this interesting rendition by a talented 9 year old girl named Anna Faith. You can tell by her accent that she's from the south...and not southern California! I hope you will enjoy watching this video! She reminds me a little of Rhema Marvanne with her singing style and voice range.

See You On Monday - Chick-Fil-A & Why It's Okay To Support Chick-Fil-A

The following video is one I've shared on FB, and it's hilarious. Following the video I give my thoughts on the Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day and respond to some critical things I've heard about it.
See You On Monday - Chick-Fil-A Song from theremix on GodTube.
This past week there was a lot of news about Chick-Fil-A and the Appreciation Day that Mike Huckabee instigated. There were mixed reports on having a day of support...whether it was an us vs. them thing or whether it would hinder or help the Gospel for Christians.

Love and support for fellow Christians and freedom for Christian beliefs is not a hindrance to the Gospel. The Gospel is an offense already to those who are perishing.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB

Why is it that we want to soft peddle what we believe and not stand up for any Biblical Truth for fear it might offend someone?  It isn't like any of us who went were yelling at people or calling names or showing hate, but people have been brainwashed into believing that Christians are bigots.  The fault does not lie in us going to support Christians who are being discriminated against without just cause.  Some people don't have to have any evidence to get angry.  Yes, we can expect to be persecuted in this life, and we do need to love even our enemies...as well as people that just annoy us.  Still, I find it important to remember verses like the following:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13 NASB

Actually, loving our brothers is a good testimony to the world.  On Twitter I experienced someone's anger even though I said it was to show love for fellow Christians.  Still, they knew I was saying things in a positive light.  The anger is because they have been led to believe that sin is acceptable.  They have been deceived into thinking that race and behavior are the same type of issue.  Take that to it's logical conclusion and any behavior could be approved of and sanctioned.

As someone else pointed out, John the Baptist pointed out Herod's having his brother's wife.  I myself have read lately how Jeremiah pointed out the sin of the people.  The reason to point out all kinds of sin (lying, stealing, hate, lust, worshiping idols, wanting what belongs to someone else, etc.) is in hopes that God might grant them repentance and belief/trust in the Savior Jesus (God the Son who lived the perfect life) Who died for sin and rose from the dead.

Primarily though, my thought to eat at Chick-Fil-A on that day was to show love and support to a Christian who was under attack.  I believe that is in keeping with being a good testimony.  It is not going to keep anybody from the Gospel.  Many people who reach out with the Gospel participated, so people should not judge people as hateful or a hindrance to the Gospel.  True love tells the truth even though it may offend.