He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

Single in Christ: a Name Better Than Sons and Daughters

2012-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Single in Christ: a Name Better Than Sons and Daughters

When Beauty Remains

2011-11-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

When you can say goodbye to the pain, then let the peace come in.

When the sorrow and hurt are gone, this is when the beauty remains.

This is how the Lord of all, in all of His majesty reigns!

He brings beauty from ashes, strength from fears, gladness from mourning, and peace from despair.

Terrible hurt used to be in this place, it used to be here.

It was the pain that brought us such sorrow, it brought us to tears.

All of that is gone now, and may we let the Lord's love flow in.

We can rejoice in the name of the Father and let the healing begin

Because now this is what we know, we can truly say goodbye to the sorrow.

The hurt will no longer show; this is the time.

Yes, we know that the Lord's love and peace are with us now.

The pain has left and this is when beauty reamins.

FOR JULIA - WHOSE BEAUTY WAS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE HERE.

- Sandra C.

"Did I do enough?"

2011-11-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand. I do not suffer the fears or doubts of man.

When my loved one suffered pain,

And from her lips did never complain,

And I her help meet did seek to serve,

Was the love I gave all she deserved?

Surely not, I could have done more,

For the mother whom I did adore,

What now can I say when looking back?

How much time with her did I lack?

You know all men have or will feel this way,

"I wish I had done more!" if only I may

Go back in time and care for them again,

But there is no turning back once eternal lives begin.

Sister and brother, YES, you could have done more,

but there is the Christ whom we also adore,

He gave His all for him and for her,

His love and care is perfect and pure.

Do not grieve over time spent elsewhere,

And do not let regret in your heart leave a tear,

Your loved one was strengthened by the Creator of earth,

He foresaw their suffering and made a way before their birth.

I wish I was a better daughter,

I wish I fought a little harder,

She deserved more of my attention,

But to you I have to mention;

I do not have regret,

I will never fret,

For what I didn't do,

Because this I know is true.

Christ held my mommy's hand,

He escorted her to the Promised Land,

He was with her everyday,

What more can I say?

The Lord Jesus was her all in all,

She did not even need to call,

To His arms she would resort,

Every time that I fell short.

I now can only pray,

That you too will feel this way,

When those feelings start to show,

That you will rest in what you know.

In Memory of Julia

2011-11-17T19:08:00.001-08:00

Our Hero

by Kara LeAnn (age 14)

In the morning she wakes,

And though her body aches,

She praises the King,

Ever and ever she will sing.

Nowhere can she go,

Though she continues to grow,

Not in power or in strength,

Not in height nor in length,

But in her God she will believe.

Others see her and they cry,

Yet never will her loving sould die,

Her faith is like a mountain,

A never ending, never drying fountain.

Even though everything she was is gone,

Her Lord will greet her with a heavenly throng.

And she will be restored forever and into eternity.

Amen.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

2011-11-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

My Father,
I now firmly believe that through my mother's illness your chief aim was to reveal and glorify your Son, Jesus Christ. I am in awe, and I earnestly strive to praise you fully for choosing us for such a trial. I thank you now for my mother's illness. I need not ask you when I get to Heaven, "Why?". Tis but by your grace and good mercy that I can see clearly and accept the hardship that has led to the glorification that my mother now experiences. For so long, Lord, have I prayed that you relieve mommy of her suffering - whether it be through healing or receiving her to Yourself. My prayers have been answered, and - oh the joy - in knowing that I will never hear her scream out in pain again. I do not want to grieve when such mercy and such goodness has been showered down on us all. To grieve would only be an insult to you and my mother. How can I sorrow for my own loss when her gain is so great? How can I let a tear drop fall from my eye to this earth when my mother is carressing the feet of our Lord and Saviour. This weak and sin-cursed vessel of mine can no more sufficiently praise you, Lord, than a child comprehend the fullness of life. May your Holy Spirit utter for me what I cannot, and may you express my love to Mommy in a way that I never could ~

I love you, my Lord. My ever present help.

My Soul's Rock and Deliverer

2011-11-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

"I am glad, Father, that the eternal destinies of people do not rest on my capacities to communicate the truth of the gospel." - R. W. Glenn

I am always both hesitant and meticulous when it comes to writing on this blog. It is very important to me to express my feelings, beliefs, and experiences clearly and truthfully. I only write to glorify Jesus Christ and be a testimony to His goodness in my life. I fear my feeble human mind will not communicate powerfully enough the awesomeness which He has displayed to me day to day. This post is only a precursor to a very long post I hope to begin composing on my laptop's wordpad. I want to make it known now that my dear Mommy, Julia, passed away on October 27th.....16 days ago. My desire is to write about the condition she was in before she passed, and the things that have occured up until the present that have so demonstrated God's love and mercy towards me. I am burdened by my lack of ability to communicate God in all his fullness and majesty. Praise Him, praise him, praise him. He alone is my soul's rock and deliverer.

Hope for a Modesty Movement

2011-08-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, I went to the movies with a friend. As we walked back to the car, a group of five or six giggling young women passed us. The first young lady I noticed before shifting my gaze elswhere was wearing a tight pair of jeans with holes in them. One hole was so large that you could see the whole front of the girl's thigh. I took them to be a normal set of worldy girls, and proceeded to pay them no attention. I was wearing my floral, Mennonite, cape dress. My friend told me that those girls stared at me even as I crossed the street away from them. They also hollered out something I couldn't hear clearly, but it most likely was meant for me :) Basically, they saw me as someone different. I did not mind at all, but simply went on my merry way.

I do not judge unsaved young women for their dress. If God has not called them to Himself and to modesty than who am I to stick up my nose at them? May I share with them the gospel if anything! However, I do desire for my fellow sisters in Christ to dress modestly, and it grieves me when they do not. What grieves me equally as much is to see well-respected, Christian parents sitting in the church pew next to their daughter who is wearing short shorts, a mid-calf dress with only one shoulder strap or a tube top, or a blouse which reveals the top of their bust without them even bending over. I am simply FLABBERGASTED. All the time.

So I am thinking......God has called me to dress modestly. I am glad, but how can I influence other sisters? How can I perk the world's interest in why I dress the way I do? Could I be the one to start a movement in modesty? Well, I have my doubts. The words movement, campaign, and trend all feel out of my reach.

BUT

I read something in a daily devotional last night that gave clear encouragement amidst my doubts.

The Butterfly Effect

author unknown

Have you heard about the butterfly effect? In physics it describes how tiny changes in initial conditions (such as the flap of a buttterly's wings) can affect weather thousands of miles away. Imagine - a fragile butterfly can alter weather patterns on another continent! Had it not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the weather system might have been vastly different. What can you learn from this? You may feel insignificant at times, as fragile as the butterly. It may seem like you're just flapping your wings when you are standing alone for truth and honesty in the workplace or the home. You say, "What can I do in the face of a problem this big?" More than you think! Your faith, your words, your deeds, your prayers, your example, your kindness and persistence, can relaese the power of God and activate the force of heaven to go to work in that situation. God loves to use things that we consider to be insignificant, like Moses' rod which parted the Red Sea, or David's slingshot that brought down a giant, or a boy's lunch that fed a multitude. Your flapping wings can initiate changes that will influence lives arounnd you for all eternity. Jesus said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mounatin, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" (Mt. 17:20 NKJV) It's not about the size of the seed you sow, but about the God Who can make it grow. It's not about the prayer you pray, but about the greatness of the One Who answers prayer.

Beauty of the Mountains

2011-08-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to spend three stress-free days in the mountains. I enjoyed hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Praise God for His glorious creation. I wish I could spend more time amidst such beauty.

Mennonite Dress and Feminine Hair

2011-03-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my new Mennonite dresses that I bought on Ebay. I wore it today because it was the first day of spring weather we have had in my area for the past ten days. When I was shopping for the dresses online, I was looking for ones with a cheery pattern on the fabric. Although this dress is plain, the pattern and colors make it pretty and fun. Also, because it fits me well, has a distinguishable waist, and well-pleated sleeves it is not at all "frumpy". I must mention that I heard a famous fashion critic say this morning that clothing with large flowers patterns is in this spring! I smiled to think that my Mennonite dress was living up to the latest trends in one way at least! :)

Three nights ago I watched the movie Little Women, which is set in Concord Masachusetts during the 1800s. The women characters wore lovely, modest dresses (without the low neckline often seen in Pride and Prejudice/Sense & Sensibility). Along with the dresses they had beautiful, long, wavy hair. Since I watched the movie, I have been braiding my hair in two braids at night after I shower in order to get body and waves the next day when I release the braids. My hair is naturally very straight and thin, but braiding gives it a big oomf that lasts a good 48+ hours.

Nowadays most older women keep their hair cut short. I have no strong opinion about that; however, I am saddened by the many young women who get their hair cut as short as or even shorter than a man's hair. As a young woman, I know that my hair will not always be healthy, grow fast, and be brown instead of gray. I plan to grow it long and enjoy it while I can :)

The next picture is a lovely example from Little Women of women in the early nineteenth century in America. Long hair and billowy nightdresses. Very feminine!

Below is Winona Ryder playing Jo in Little Women and further on is famous actress, Keira Knightly with short hair. I have noticed lately that many actresses have had or are experimenting with short, boyish hairdos. Their trends and fashions are a strong influence on young women across America. The Devil has been attacking the femininity of women in the last century. First with how we dress and now with our hair!

Which is more feminine and lovely?

"But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."

1 Corinthians 11:15 KJV

Too Old-fashioned and Plain

2011-03-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

corbisimages.com

To be old-fashioned is to adhere to customs of a past era.

When people are called plain it is usually due to their lack of ornament or embellishment.

What should be well-known to most people is that the world does not approve of old-fashionedness or plainness.

Simply put, those who sneer at such characteristics do so because they believe that human thought, dress, and behavior should be ever-changing and full of excitement and decoration. To follow people of past eras is foolish and archaic to them and to dress like those of the past is most ridiculous except on Halloween, naturally!

It is a shame when Christians keep themselves in a box for fear of drawing the sneer of the world upon them.

Modesty of manner, slowness to speak, simpleness, and modestly feminine dress are some characteristics that are often lacking in Christian girls because they are afraid of being labled old-fashioned and plain.

It is too bad that we think following past generations is unfashionable. Although Jesus Christ lived centuries ago, Christians try to model Him in every way possible. If we find Godly qualities, traditions, and manners in others of past centuries we should not be ashamed to model after them as well.

What I have on the forefront of my mind is how Christian girls dress. I am sure that some have thought or said at one time or the other, "Oh, they wore such lovely dresses back in such and such a time! How I would love to dress that way, but people would look at me funny and ask questions." I am experiencing this thought pattern myself, but I know it is not from God.

When choosing your outfit and working with your overall clothing style, God should be the only one whose approval you seek. Your father's approval is important as well; however, if he is a true Christian than he should approve and if he is not than he probably won't care one way or another.

Please, sisters, do not fear being labeled old-fashioned or plain! To be either of those things is neither sinful or negative in God's eyes! For example, if you love the dress styles from the early 19th century than wear them, and if you think Mennonite dresses are lovely and modest but you aren't Mennonite than wear them anyway!

I just purchased three lovely Mennonite dresses, and I think they are very feminine and God-glorifying because they conceal well those areas that should be saved for my future husband's eyes only. I know God is pleased with those dresses because they match up so perfectly with what scripture has to say, but I also know that some people may find them to be an odd choice for a Baptist girl and a 21st century young woman. It doesn't matter to me because I am not seeking the world's approval and you musn't either!

All girls are unique and special and should model themselves after Christ. They should also let their personalities and interests come out as long as they manifest in a way that is Godly and gospel-centered. What is in, fashionable, trendy, and all-the-rage matters nothing to the Lord! Be you, and be led to a Christly uniqueness not only in character but also in dress!

Yep, that's Jesus!!

2010-04-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Walmart for an eye exam and some groceries. There were two patients ahead of me so the receptionist told me it would be about forty minutes until the doctor could see me. I left to go kill some time in the nursery. As I walked in amongst the flowers I saw the young man who is usually the door greeter there. He is in a wheelchair and has one hand that is all twisted up and crippled. I smiled at him and continued checking out the flowers. I should go visit with him! I thought. I have plenty of time and I'm sure it would make him happy. BUT, being the shy, awkward person that I am I kept pushing the idea away until I had marched to the center of the store far away from the nursery. By that time guilt was waying heavily upon me, and I had begun to develop a very real pain in my gut!! No, that was not the product of a bad breakfast. That was Jesus. I remember distinctly the last time I prayed: Dear Jesus, I pray that you would make it clear to me whenever you want me to do something or talk to somebody. Make it so that I can't bear to go the other way. So by divine prodding, shy little me marched back over there and said, "Hi! How are you? I am waiting for my eye exam, and I thought I would come visit with you." We happily chatted about all sorts of things until it was time for my appointment. My day was so much brighter afterward, and I was perfectly content waiting in the long checkout line and thinking about my friendly encounter. If I hadn't talked to Gioseppe(Joseph in Italian), I would have been miserable the rest of the day. When we do things for God, the hardest part is that first step, but looking back on it the warmth and contentment of following Jesus' desires far outways the nervousness of acting on something new and out-of-the-ordinary.

What Grows My Character......

2010-01-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know when my mother's body attacked itself causing damage which hinders her ability to swallow. This last year her ability to clearly speak has become incredibly worse, and often when she swallows the saliva goes to the wrong place. She coughs, and chokes, and gurgles. It is always worse at night. Dozens and dozens of times I have listened to my Dad pounding and pounding on her back to try to get the saliva out. She is so weak without even the strength to cough it out. I used to cover my ears with my hands begging God to have mercy on her. She hates getting pounded on. She screams out in agony. As I am growing closer to God, I continue to beg Him to show mercy on her, but I no longer cover my ears. With faith for a brighter future, I stand and listen to the sounds of my mother's suffering. I want to break down and cry and anguish over her, but what good would that do? Only by conquering my own sorrow am I in any way defeating the crippling affect that m.s. has had on our family.

Last night my Dad went into the spare room to sleep. He couldn't take the noise my mom was making any longer. I got up and went to sleep with her. I laid my hand on her shoulder and prayed for a very long time. "Please God, have mercy on my Mommy. Help her. If it be Thy will, heal her ability to swallow...please God, please, don't let her cough...don't let her choke..." Over and over and over I said these words to God. I finally fell asleep. It's so hard to deal with sometimes. Everyday she is suffering in pain. She can't do anything!!! and my Daddy can't do anything with her. I wish he could be free to do fun things and travel with his wife....but he just can't. I cry as I write this because I want you to hear what it's like. Nobody knows what it's really like for my Dad and me. Nobody's here when it's all said and done. Just the three of us. So many people struggle through life's trials, and come out on the other end to breathe. My parents never get to breathe!! Some days it seems they are in a never-ending trial. I've often wondered out loud to my Dad, "How is God's will being accomplished by Mommy being sick? It seems like her suffering outweighs any good affect it might be having on others.

BUT

JESUS CHRIST SUSTAINS US! Without Him we have NO hope, NO future, NOTHING to look forward to, NOTHING to lean on, NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING!!!

Engagement

2010-01-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

This week my church's youth intern gave a message on being the "Bride of Christ". I hope to explain this concept of being Christ's bride to you in a meaningful and sincere way, and share how it is affecting my life. Following is a description of a Jewish marriage in Bible times that I found online.

Those who live in the modern western world do not catch the full significance of Jesus' promise. This is due to the fact that in His promise Jesus was drawing an analogy from Jewish marriage customs in biblical times. Since this is so, those marriage customs must be examined if one is to grasp the significance of the promise.

The first major step in a Jewish marriage was betrothal.1 Betrothal involved the establishment of a marriage covenant. By Jesus' time it was usual for such a covenant to be established as the result of the prospective bridegroom taking the initiative.2 The prospective bridegroom would travel from his father's house to the home of the prospective bride. There he would negotiate with the father of the young woman to determine the price that he must pay to purchase his bride.3 Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was thereby established, and the young man and woman were regarded to be husband and wife.4 From that moment on the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified, set apart exclusively for her bridegroom.5 As a symbol of the covenant relationship that had been established, the groom and bride would drink from a cup of wine over which a betrothal benediction had been pronounced.6 After the marriage covenant had been established, the groom would leave the home of the bride and return to his father's house. There he would remain separate from his bride for a period of twelve months.7 This period of separation afforded the bride time to gather her trousseau and to prepare for married life.8 The groom occupied himself with the preparation of living accommodations in his father's house to which he could bring his bride. At the end of the period of separation the groom would come to take his bride to live with him. The taking of the bride usually took place at night. The groom, best man and other male escorts would leave the groom's father's house and conduct a torch light procession to the home of the bride.9 Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the exact time of his coming.10 As a result the groom's arrival would be preceded by a shout.11 This shout would forewarn the bride to be prepared for the coming of the groom.

- Dr. Renald Showers, Chairman of the Pastoral Studies Dept. Philadelphia College of Bible

The promise referred to in this passage is the one given by Jesus to His apostles at the Last Supper:

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." - John 14:1-3 NKJV

If we(Christians) take time to meditate on the elements of this passage, we will learn so much about the love that Jesus has for us. Jesus travelled from His Father's home(Heaven) to our home(earth) in order to pay the purchase price for us. That price was His dying on the cross to free us from sin. From that moment on God's chosen people(Christians) were set apart and sanctified for Him. Jesus ascended from this world shortly after His resurrection in order to go back to His Father's house and prepare a home or place for us. Point seven in the above passage is our responsibility to our Bridegroom. We are to prepare ourselves for married life with our Lord. Ways to prepare ourselves are to obey His commandments, meditate on His Word, and speak with Him daily.

With the earthly Jewish marriage the bride could not speak with or get to know her groom while he was away during the twelve months of preparation. That is one way in which our relationship with God differs. Although Jesus has gone away we are still able to speak with Him and learn about Him through prayer and the Bible. That is so awesome! What a privilige!

Like the groom of Jewish times, our Jesus will come for us when the time of preparation is through. His coming will also be with a shout.

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16 NKJV

Christians are Christ's bride, and until He returns for us, we are in the engagement period. Our youth intern kept calling God his husband. Each time he would say, "That is awkward everytime I say it!" It is an awkward concept for men, but I love that he was man enough to say it in front of a group! Because it is true!

I hope you are grasping the full weight of this analogy. That Jesus Christ loves us as a husband loves his wife and so much more! We are His number #1 people! We are to be joined to Him just as a husband is joined to his wife. Another difference is that earthly marriages last a lifetime, but a marriage to Christ lasts for eternity! What a joy to know that we will spend eternity with the Man(Jesus called himself the Son of Man) that we love more than any other.

I'd like to share how this affects my life and thinking. Like most girls, I have had a few crushes over my teenage years. I have even known someone who, I think, would make an awesome boyfriend(possibly husband) for me(of course my mind is finite so I can't really know if he would --only God does). I've found that "liking" a guy never does me any good. The only thing that comes out of it is that I get depressed or discouraged when he doesn't show any interest in me. Here's where Jesus comes in. If I can just totally focus on Him then a lack of a relationship won't get me down. Whenever I start wishing I could date a certain person, I look away from him and think about my fiancee up in Heaven who loves me unconditionally. If I could always do that then I would be able to make it through life happily with no husband at all(if God should choose that for me).

The fantastic thing about being a Christian girl is that I am engaged to the God of the universe who knows all and sees all and controls all. What this means is that He sees the heart and the future of every man. Jesus Christ is the 1# best person who can pick out an earthly husband for me. I see His perfect choice in my parents. What are the odds that my Mom would marry a man who would stick with her through eighteen years of sickness?

My mother was a precious, Godly, young woman. Just yesterday her dad(my Papa) told me that he would often find her in her room praying for the right husband. Precious, loving, Jehovah God answered her prayer. He may have allowed her to suffer a terrible disease, but He was ever so faithful to her by providing my Dad as her husband. She never could have known that he was the one by her own earthly reasoning. My Dad was in need of a Savior. He was a young man with fleshly desires and motives. However, one night he was watching Three's Company by himself and the Holy Spirit came into the room and brought him to his knees. If my Mom had met him anytime prior to that she would never have even considered him! When they met(after he had become saved) my Mom was already in a steady relationship. Somehow my Aunt convinced her to meet my Dad and three months later they were engaged. That is our AWESOME GOD!

So to all of you who are hurting and troubled, Jesus Christ wants to prepare a place for you where all the sorrows and tears of this life will be gone. And to all of you young girls who are desperately yearning for a man to love and adore you, become engaged to Jesus Christ. The only perfect man who can find your "Mr. Right":)

Does God Will You to Be Healed, or to Endure?

2009-11-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight my parents and I watched a preacher on tv who believes that it is not God's will that any believer be ill. He basically said that if you are ill than you are not experiencing God's full love. After he was done talking I pointed my finger at my mom lying near me (who cannot move or hardly speak these days because of her m.s.) and said, "You do not know God's full love!!" I was not being serious....I suppose I was mocking the preacher which wasn't nice to do. If you know the first thing about my mother it is that she and God love eachother unconditionally. We don't agree with that preacher on everything, but my dad likes to get a perspective on other denominational standpoints. My dad and I got to talking and this is what he said, "I took your mom to a Pentacostal church once to be healed. I fully believed that God would heal her. When I got there I threw her wheelchair out the door, and told them to do whatever they wanted with it. They told me I should go get it back. 'Why?? God's going to heal her, I know it!' I told them. I had more faith that God would heal her than those men and women who laid hands on her. You see, the miracle isn't in your mom's healing. The miracle is that because God knew she would be sick He had her marry me, and we had you. I believe, that Christ will soon return, and when He does we will all be lying here on the bed(as we so often do as a family), and we will ascend together. When Paul and Silas were in prison, the miracle wasn't that their shackles fell off and they were set free. The miracle was that they were singing hymns and praising God in jail!! How could they have done that without some kind of inner strength?"

My Dad knows two young men who are unsaved. He plans to tell them about how he has an inner strength and assurance that can come only from God. If he did not have that inner strength alive in him he would be at home and depressed over his life. But no!! He manages to get out and about and witness to just about every person he comes in contact with. God isn't giving my family the miracle of my mother's healing because we already have the greatest miracle!! That miracle is salvation through Jesus. For that reason my Dad is touching others around him and staying strong even though his wife is bedridden and can barely talk to him anymore. That is why I have joy and an enthusiastic desire to bless others even though my mother can't hug me or do anything with me. God doesn't always will that people be awed by a miraculous healing. Oftentimes, He desires a continous witness by those who receive no healing but persevere and draw strength from Him rather than fueling their grief.

Romans 5:3-4

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Friends, these verses are a foundation for victory over illness and loss! Only through the Word of God which tells me that my sufferings are small compared to eternity can I even begin to bear my mother's illness. Only through the constant reminder that my burdens will produce character and hope within me can I be at peace.

I pray this will speak to and encourage some soul out there. I wrote this rather quickly so parts of it may not be as detailed as they should. I wish you could know my parents. They are such a testimony! If you have any questions please feel free to comment and I will be blessed to reply!

I Highly Recommend This!!

2009-11-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

This is a forty-six page paperback book put out by Christian Light Publications (clp.org) that I recently bought from their online website for $2.95. I read half of it tonight. So far it is dead-on with how I think someone should pursue marriage if they desire to go by God's standards. If you are single or dating, I highly recommend this book. It doesn't matter if you are sixteen or thirty-five years old. This book can apply to you! I wish I could give this to every single person I know. I hope it blesses you, friend.

Care to Dispute?

2009-11-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 3:23-26 (NKJV)

23) But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Paul is instructing Timothy and the surrounding churches in 2 Timothy. This small book of the Bible was the last that he wrote. I greatly appreciate all the doctrine and instruction our Lord Jesus spoke through Paul.

These verses instruct Christians on how to act when it comes to disputes and arguments.

In verse twenty-three we are told to, "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." I find it very hard to not give in to pointless arguments and disputes. Something in my human nature craves a good debate. Sometimes I just need to vent my anger. I try my best to keep the peace and not have an argumentative spirit, but sometimes I slip up. As a Christian, I try to slip up less and less as I grow in the Lord. God is not pleased when I argue. It does not get me anywhere. A loving and quiet attitude in the face of opposition is what changes people's hearts. God knows that, and He desires that I impart His peace onto others. I know that these disputes generate strife; so why do I continue in them?

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient," A Christian is a servant of the Lord. God desires that we not quarrel but be gentle towards all. Each time I quarrel with my Dad I feel guilty. My rebellious attitude toward him should reap repentance...and fast!! I should always be gentle with my family; but stress, anxiety, and selfishness always causes me to have outbursts. These outbursts, which go right into the category of foolish and ignorant disputes, are the number one thing I am working on now. Because I wear the Christian woman's headship veiling, getting rid of these "outbursts" has become crucial to my walk with the Lord. By causing strife with my Dad, I am stepping out of my headship order. I am denying whom God has set over me and rejecting a gentle attitude. God also desires that we be able to teach. All Christians should be ready and able to teach others about the ways of Christ. Sunday school teachers and pastors are not the only ones responsible for teaching!! In order to be able to teach, we must submerge ourselves in Christ-likeness. This means studying and memorizing His Word daily, "praying without ceasing", and crucifying our flesh and sins. What we learn on our journey with the Lord is what we must pass on to others for encouragement and teaching. Lastly, in verse twenty-four we are told to be patient. Patience plays a very important role in avoiding disputes. Without patience we are eager to make OUR point and prove WE are right.

James 1: 3-4 (KJV)

3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Disputes try our faith. If we are patient and avoid disputes, our faith will grow to be perfect and entire.

"...in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth," Here we see that there is a right way to respond to opposition. We must always remain humble. The moment pride rears its ugly head we become unfit to pass on any of God's truth. We must put down our own agenda so that His plan can unfold. There are times when we are called to correct those in opposition. We are to administer correction while praying that God will make the other's heart repentant. This is not to prove ourselves right, but to have the other come unto the knowledge of the truth. I often feel as though Christians are not speaking up enough to other's about sin and the need for repentance. However, I am always reminded that there is a time and a place for correction, but we, first, must have the right attitude.

"...and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." When we easily fall into arguments and foolish disputes we are literally being taken captive by Satan. Satan's will is that we begrudge others and lose fellowship with one another. He does not want us to care for others, but, rather, he desires that we love only ourselves. Satan promotes a "me" attitude. He wants Christians to get so wrapped up in themselves and their own opinion that they are no longer usable by God. This is why it is so important that we humble ourselves and avoid conflict. If we are quiet, patient and gentle, Satan can not easily use us to harm the faith of others.

Philippians 2: 13-14 (NKJV)

13) ....for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14) Do all things without complaining and disputing,

I desire to bring God pleasure. For that reason, I pray that He will work to rid me of complaining and disputing.

Guti Sacha Nemma Zeit

2009-09-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Friends!

The title of my post today is a Pennsylvania Dutch phrase which means, "Good things take time". Not only do good things often take their sweet time in coming, but they usually require the trying of patience and the steadiness of prayer. I am writing to share two ways in which God has blessed me in one day! Both of these things I have had to wait for and pray about.

Firstly, this morning I finished taking the GED. Over the coarse of my homeschooling, I have had a small worry that my lack of a diploma would hinder my succeeding after highschool. A silly notion, I know, but it still concerned me. A couple months after graduating I signed up to take the General Education Development test in order to get a diploma. The process of taking the test went so well for me. I wasn't worried or nervous about taking the test. God had me firmly assurred that all my years of dedicated study would let me breeze through the tests. I thoroughly enjoyed both test days. It was the first time I had ever taken tests (besides dmv) that were graded by someone other than me or my parents. To me it was like a game. I enjoyed it so much. I scored very well on the first half, and the rest of my scores will come in a few days. For many years I felt like I would somehow be inadequate because I was the one who kept my own grades. However, God had an easy alternative planned for me, and I will soon get my official diploma and will be able to feel some real closure =)

My second blessing has me super excited! As many of you know, I have wanted to take piano lessons for as long as I can remember. My mother used to play piano in church, and my family always told me I had long fingers perfect for the piano :) Sadly, I just never got someone to teach me. Finally, over the last year, I began diligently teaching myself. I bought books of sheet music, and I have had a blast working up in difficulty on my own. One of my friends takes lessons, and she told me I could use her teacher. It was through an academy and recitals were twice a year. The thought of playing in front of a group of strangers was enough to keep me away, and I continued to play in the comfort of my home. I have been praying that God would send me a private teacher. The next year would be the ideal time because I need stuff to do before I step into the college scene. It was a precious prayer answered when my Nona(grandma) called me, and said she had found me a teacher! The teacher is a Christian woman who's mother went to my church for many years. She lives only a few minutes from my Nona. Her family lived an hour away, but after her mother passed they moved into the house that was left behind. Nona ran into her at the grocery store and after a while of talking the lady said, "The one thing I really miss from where I used to live, was my piano students. I am teaching a little girl, but I really would love to have more young people to teach." Nona said, "Oh! You have no idea how glad I am to hear that! I've been praying for a piano teacher for Kara for so long!" The lady said she would love to teach me, and I plan to call her this week!!! Just as I am finishing up my tests and going into Fall with few things to do, one of my greatest wishes has been granted! God allowed my Nona to run into this woman at the perfect time, and I am claiming this as a direct gift from Him!

Psalm 37 : 4 KJV

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

My Life part 1

2009-09-03T13:02:00.001-07:00

About a month ago I started writing a fiction book. It was going to be about a college-aged girl who lives in Monterey. I planned to entwine many aspects of my own life into the story. For example, the girl was going to have a severely ill mother whom she would take care of and devote much time to. After writing the first couple paragraphs I read it to my dad. He was very touched by how well it described my own life. He told me that I should not waste time writing fiction, but, instead, write about my life exactly the way it is. I am eager to post these two paragraphs to see what you all think. I had to go through it just now and get rid of the parts that were fiction. I have titled it "My Life part 1" because this is only a glimpse of my life. I hope to write further about my life and struggles, but plan to do so only as the Lord inspires me :)

I've always felt like I was one of the very few people given a parent who is severely ill. People tell me that there are so many out there who suffer just as greatly, but my case seems to stand out. At least to me. My mother was diagnosed with Mulitiple Sclerosis around the age of twenty-eight, which was shortly after my birth. By the time I was about three she was in a wheelchair. By about age twelve she was confined to bed with only rare car trips with my dad. Now I am eighteen years old and my mother never leaves her bed, can hardly move any muscles, and has difficulty speaking clearly. She is the most gorgeous woman I have ever known. I've seen many pictures of her as a young woman: absolutely stunning. She had long, wavy dark hair and brown eyes open with innocence. She could take anyone's breath away. It's a mystery of the Lord's that her life as she knew it was taken away at such an early age. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself and causes damage leading to loss of sight, movement, coordination, and even memory. It doesn't help that my mom got the worst case possible. Instead of having acute attacks of m.s. she has the "chronic proggresive" form of the disease. Once the disease begins, it just grows worse and worse and the person has no relief from the symptoms. I've only ever known my mother as a very ill person. The disease has accelerated gradually throughout my life. I guess I'm like a frog in a pot of boiling water. The pot heats up gradually so the frog doesn't notice when it is boiling. My mom has slowly fallen apart so I haven't been "shocked by the heat" so to speak. It's a part of my life I am used to. However, that doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt me on a regular basis to see her that way.

Growing up was a good time for me. My life was comfortable, and my parents were the most important people in the world to me. I have no siblings so all my love and affection went straight to the two who raised me. My dad kept me home to help with my mom, and I received an excellent education in my bedroom. While other kids went to school and played with other boys and girls, I stayed home and worked hard with my homeschooling. I went through the "bord years" as I like to call them. I don't know about the school kids, but that grumpy monster of bordom liked to drop by every once in awhile from the time I was twelve to about sixteen. I think young kids dispel bordom with their imagination, and young adults dispel it with adventure and passion, but that time in between can often be trying for some. I graduated highschool at eighteen. I had spent a couple years worrying what I would do once I graduated. Grown-ups would always ask me what I planned to do once I graduated, and I was embarrassed if I didn't have a good answer. I came to the conclusion that it should be politically incorrect to ask a young person what they plan to do after highschool. However, by the time I actually graduated I had become quite comfortable with waiting on the Lord, and was no longer pressured by what others might expect of me. I plan to go to our community college next year, and see what adventures God will send my way. I would like to marry and be a housewife, but the Lord has yet to send that special man along. God must be my portion, and I will continue to be patient. Even if God never sends along a man to love me, I will continue to love Him unconditionally.

In Whom Do You Boast?

2009-09-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Galations 6 : 14

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

I don't know if the Apostle Paul had this to consider in his day, but from what I've witnessed young people are constantly praising and boasting their friends and acquaintances. Rarely do I hear a young person boasting in the Lord, but rather they speak words of praise and adoration concerning individuals they are attracted to. There is nothing wrong with encouraging friends and congratulating them on accomplishments. All I am saying is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior should be the one we most frequently boast about. Who He is and what He is doing is most definately exciting to talk about. So this week, why don't you start talking about Jesus more and talking about people less?

Looking For Attention??

2009-09-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself yearning for attention, esteem, gratification, praise, or fame??

Most people, at one time or another, would like to be noticed; and many of us feel our best when everyone around us is awed at who we are and what we do. When you find yourself needlessly hurting because you cannot seem to grasp this "approval" remember:

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12: 6-9

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool;
for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN YOUR WEAKNESS." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Our lives are to be lived to glorify God and Him alone. Not ourselves or anyone else. If you are in the perfect will of God and living according to His Word, it does not matter what ANYONE thinks. Not classmates, co-workers, friends, or family. We live to please God. If we are not pleasing Him then we are pleasing the Devil, and the path of the Devil will swiftly lead to destruction. So brothers and sisters in Christ: I just want to ask you to live life to please God and not others. Do not look for fame here on earth where, "moth and dust do corrupt",
but store up your reward in Heaven, and live everyday for the Almighty Father of all the universe. Trying to get attention from the world is often difficult and no fun....then once you get it, the pleasure is short-lived and fleeting.

Holiness

2009-09-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Romans 12 : 1 KJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

In my study Bible it says Romans is, "noteworthy for being the most complete compendium of Christian doctrine". I think this particular passage of Christian doctrine is very important to keep in mind. God beseeches us through Paul's writings to, "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable..."

How have you sacrificed to God this week? Have you sacrificed of your time and gone to church? Have you sacrificed twenty minutes and read your Bible? Or, maybe, you sacrificed a bit of your paycheck to tithe to a church? While these are all things that God wishes us to do with a humble heart, they are hardly comparable to simply being holy. If we go to church, but go home to a life of wickedness; we do not please God or further His kingdom. If we read the Bible and do not apply and live out the "Living Word", then what have we gained? If we tithe 10% and spend 90% on selfish desires like fancy phones, fast cars, expensive video games, and top-of-the-line clothing, we are satisfying our fleshy lusts. Fleshly lusts are of this world, and are spoken of in the book of Titus:

Titus 2 : 12 KJV

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldy lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

We may often think we are in the right with God because we are giving the required tithe. However, if we then spend our week not denying worldy lusts, but accepting and fulfilling those lusts; we are absolutely contrary to what God would have us to be like.

What I am trying to build up to is this: where a Christian person is concerned, the sacrifice is vain if the temple be not holy. When one is holy and he sacrifices, that is when God will accept him. I am asking that we remain holy in our actions, deeds, thoughts, and day-to-day life. I know that it is almost impossible not to have an unholy thought now and then. Our bodies are sin-cursed and far from perfection. However, we must learn that if we stray for a moment we must tell ourselves, "I do not receive condemnation for this! God is still refilling and renewing me, and I am not yet completed!"

These past few weeks I have been reading scripture, listening to numerous preachers, and working on my strongholds and sins. When I am working to become more holy it is easy to fall into the trap of discouragment. Sometimes I lose my control and speak harshly, think a wicked thought, or fail to be a generous servant. Satan starts to tell me, "See, you're not holy or you never would have done that." Or, "It's not working, you keep losing your control." This is when I have to rethink the progress I have made, and not let my thoughts or emotions condemn me.

The ability to grow in holiness through Christ is a very special thing to me. It is more important than the college I attend, the friends I make, or the things I own. As our world spins more and more into chaos, and we see the day of the Lord swiftly approaching; we should be focusing more and more on the "temple of God" (my body, your body, our bodies) and the condition of that body(spiritually speaking). Are you making sacrifices for God? Do you feel like those sacrifices are getting you nowhere? Especially not closer to God? Maybe you need to stop focusing for a while on the outward sacrifices(what the world can see) and focus inwardly on the condition of your spirit(something God can only see).

Let us end with Ephesians 1 : 4 KJV

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Holiness, holiness, is what I long for.....
Holiness is what I need.....