Vanderbilt University - Roaches & Tracts

I waited for about four months to see a dysautonomia neurologist at Vanderbilt University.
There are not a lot of places that have someone so specialized, and I am not covered outside of Tennessee anyway.
I was finally able to go this past week for testing and a doctor appointment.  The only part of the testing I refused was another tilt table test.  The last one was like a nightmare.  I did a part of the test, but tried to stand on my own and felt faint too quickly.  The other testing went fairly well.

The outcome of my appointments was that although I do have a problem with my autonomic system that the doctor didn't believe that was the primary cause of some of my symptoms.  She recommended some medicine adjustment (trying a lower dose of something I tried before that may help low blood volume), but basically she's sending me back to the local doctors to keep searching for the primary cause of my misery.  I may end up seeing a general neurologist again. 

Something very unusual happened to me at Vanderbilt.  
A doctor (probably an internist) asked questions and did some minor testing while I was waiting to see the main specializing neurologist.
Suddenly a family member in with me exclaimed and jumped up.  Why?  There was a large full-sized ROACH in the exam room!
The doctor asked if it was alright if he did away with it.  Of course it was!  He moved a trash can and managed to kill and dispose of the intruder.
I imagine most doctors would not consider that part of their job description, but we appreciated it.
I was hoping that we wouldn't end up bringing some baby roaches home with us!
It's pretty funny thinking about a doctor calmly moving a trash can and killing a roach like that!

The trip was difficult for me and my family with how I am doing and the stress of the drive during the times when it was snowing.  We stayed at some pretty nice hotels and enjoyed some good food, and yes, Gospel tracts did get left by us here and there during the trip.  One was thrown away for sure, but another seemed likely to be read by the lady who did my testing. 
Another family member also had appointments during our time there and had more of a substantial outcome.

I appreciate the prayers of Christians out there for me and my family. 
I realize we aren't the only family suffering with physical issues.  I have wondered how others could endure some of the horrible things going on with them, and I have now had a taste of what it can be like. 
Even as a Christian, it is no picnic.  I have to fight to trust God no matter if I never get cured until Heaven.  When my head is screeching and my body feels awful like I could pass out any moment or I feel nauseated, sometimes my prayer is limited to "God, help me!"  I do get panicked. 
I need God to help me to trust Him more, because He is trustworthy no matter if He doesn't say yes to my prayers for Him to heal me.  It is possible I have something rare. 
Although I go to doctors to try to discover what is the underlying cause I know that God is ultimately in control of my health.  My fibromyalgia pains, my P.O.T.S. and or NCS, & all of the things going on have a purpose.  I want God to be glorified in and through me, and I want to not waste my trials.
I desire to shine for Christ in whatever way I can no matter how awful my body feels.

12 Year Old Girl Dies Leaving Notes To Her Older Self

I don't know these people or the church they are affiliated with, but this news story really stood out to me when I watched it on TV this past week.

Although it is very sad for this family that this girl died at 12 years old unexpectedly, they are focused on God's will and purpose in their loss.

I remember when I was a teenager I wrote something in case I died young (which didn't happen), so in that I found this girl's idea of writing  to her older self quite interesting (although on earth for her that never came to be).

WJHL-TV: News: Weather, and Sports for Johnson City, TN

Talented Young Singers, Gospel For Catholics, David Platt Goes Biblical

I'm starting out the year sharing three distinctly different videos for my viewers.

The first is a new song by a group named "Dave's Highway" published on December 30, 2013, the second is directed to Roman Catholics about the mass, the last is amazing and especially great if you have the time to listen.  I suggest bookmarking it for later if need be! 

 

Here is a lively new song to start out the new year:

 

The Gospel for Catholics:

 

David Platt gave a great message on Missions at the recent Cross Conference (the focus of the conference being unreached peoples).

What made it especially great was that he seemed to be quoting the book of Romans in a way that made things stand out differently bringing the glory of God to the forefront. It may be hard for you to follow...especially more so if you are not familiar with Romans or English is not your primary language.


CROSS 2013: Mobilizing God’s Army for the Great Commission (Session X) from CROSS on Vimeo.

Dangers of Inclusivism & When Does Regeneration Take Place?

After thinking, researching and listening to things regarding two issues, I want to share some conclusions that I've come to.  This is coming from a female writer who does not want to sinfully instruct men.  This is not meant to be authoritative so much as an opinion piece after researching Scripture and other online resources.

Issue One:  When does regeneration take place?  Does it take place right before belief, or can it happen to a baby who doesn't know the Gospel?
Regeneration by definition seems to refer to the new birth of when someone is spiritually transformed from death to life.
There are verses that seem to put this together with the renewing of or being born of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6; John 3:3-8) and that the preaching of the Word of God is involved as the seed used (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18; Romans 10:17). 
I do not believe that a person could be regenerated years before they actually repent and believe the Gospel except if you are just referring to the future plan of God and His view of what will be as already accomplished.  The idea of years between regeneration rather than immediately before belief would make no sense, since by definition regeneration is a new birth as well as it seems to imply a change of heart .

This leads me to my the other issue that started me off down this path.  I was listening to the Cross Conference and heard Kevin DeYoung mention that there are some Calvinists who believe in inclusivism.  Certainly that is not the majority of us, but I wanted to investigate the subject because of my grave concern after reading in the past someone suggesting that somebody's infant could already be regenerated.  Now, I'm not saying that some people can't hear the Gospel and be saved at a young age, but without a profession of faith there is no reason to think that a baby has had a spiritual birth.  Doubly so when they have not heard the Gospel from anyone.

Many years ago I heard someone who thought that perhaps someone could be saved only responding to what they knew of God (probably thinking of creation) without hearing the Gospel.  Well, that is a dangerous fantasy, and the Bible makes it clear that faith comes by hearing (the Word of Christ - Romans 10:17).  So, while it might make somebody feel good, we have to stick with what we know of Scripture and the truth and not feelings.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  John 14:6 NASB

Fairness would be that we would all face God's just wrath, because we rebel against and suppress the truth that we do know. 
I do believe that every person that God has chosen will be regenerated and repent, so in one sense His salvation work is completed by His divine plan and summoning.  This is accomplished though by the means He decrees which is through the proclamation of the Gospel, His regenerating and sanctifying work, His death and resurrection (satisfying of His just wrath against sin), mercy, grace, and the people that He sends out to be disciple makers in the world.

Inclusivism has also been taught by Catholics, Billy Graham, and many others who stray from Scripture to varying degrees...from unbelievers, heretics, and confused Christians.  It is dangerous!
 

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."  Acts 4:12 NASB

 

Merry Christmas & Free Bibles & Tracts for Financially Struggling

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Cross Encounters is offering a FREE BIBLE, GOSPEL of JOHN, & FREE GOSPEL TRACTS for those who cannot afford them (U.S. & Canada).
Please no cheaters!  http://crossencountersmin.com/free-tracts-bibles/

Don't Forget Prayer

You may know that my Dad used to produce Global Minute radio spots to get people to pray for, go & give to missions....especially for the unreached peoples of the world.   The spots were heard on a lot of stations around the country as public service announcements.  The name of the organization was the Mission Vision Network. 

My sister & I also helped out in various ways (computer work, writing, labeling, stuffing envelopes, even to helping be voices on one Christmas Panorama spot), so I still have an interest in missions when I hear about or read things that touch on that.  After all, proclaiming the Gospel is the mission of the church and a great deal of why I believe we are still here on earth. 

So many people (including Christians) are excited these days about movies out in the theater, shopping, music concerts, and about the people immediately around them.  Others are struggling with health issues, depression, difficult relationships, or political issues. 
It is easy to forget that there are many people out there who still do not even have the Gospel in their language. 
Sure, there are people who have access to Bibles who never read them and seek wisdom from the world and false teachers. 
These people certainly need the Gospel as much as those in tribes and other countries, but I was recently encouraged by a video to pray for workers once again for those who have yet to hear.

Although there is little I can do these days physically (as I am not doing well and can't get out much), I can still pray for people even though the noise in my head and my dizziness and headaches make it hard to think to pray sometimes.
I know God hears me....and He can hear all true Christians.
I hope the video will encourage you.
If you are interested in the conference, it is December 27-30, 2013 mostly for students ages 18-25.  Click here to read more.

Please check out the people group of the day beneath the video.


#PrayForWorkers from CROSS on Vimeo.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Hilarious TN Video Ad, Strange Fire Q & A

Happy Thanksgiving week to those who are in the U.S.!

In spite of how I've been feeling, I have much to be thankful for.  I made it through two MRIs this week, we got reservations for a cheaper price on a hotel for tentative appointments next year, and
snow is predicted for the day before Thanksgiving which should be fun to watch.
God has blessed our family with all of our needs and more.
We had friends send home a great Thanksgiving meal recently for those of us who couldn't go to their home, and we will likely have some more special food on the day itself!

One of the funniest ads I've seen here in Tennessee.

One of the reasons it is so funny is because there are people who actually resemble these workers. No, not everybody here is like this!

 

 

John MacArthur answers his critics in a Q & A session with Phil Johnson regarding the Strange Fire conference:

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/70-37/strange-fire-qa-answering-the-critics