What Is A Confession?

I have a few soapboxes and one of them has to do with Baptism. Growing up in the churches of Christ we were taught there are "five steps to salvation: hear, believe, repent, confess and baptism". Our generation has realized the "legalism" in that approach and that salvation is not about steps and it doesn't end at baptism. Baptism is the beginning of our walk with Christ not the end. It is at that point that we recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit who then begins to transform us more and more in the image of Christ with the gifts of Himself: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, aithfulness, gentleness and self control. We rely heavily on the grace of God to cover all those areas where we fall short. But we make it our goal to live out 1 Peter 1:15-16 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

This is my soapbox. One of the things that has to happen in order to embrace the meaning of baptism is confession. Here are some scriptures about confession:
-Romans 10:9-10: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
-Romans 14:11: "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
-Philippians 2:10-12: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

So where did we get the tradition that when someone is baptized we ask them the question "do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God" and then the person being baptized says "yes". Is this really a confession? I don't think so, I think it is an affirmation. The person is affirming what they believe not confessing what they believe. The scripture says that we are to confess that "Jesus Christ is Lord", not the "Son of God" so my question is why don't we ask the person "who do you say that Jesus is?" OR "What do you believe about Jesus" OR "what is your confession today"? Any of those would lead to an actual confession.

-James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
-1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Would we interpret these scriptures to mean I ask you "have you sinned?" and you say "yes, I have" that it was a confession of sins? I don't think so. So then imagine what would happen if this question was asked "why are you wanting to be baptized"? That the individual being baptized actually gives a testimony of their faith, how they came to hear, believe and what they are repenting of, actually confess that Jesus is Lord and are baptized. To me we have just made baptism a "step" and not a transforming life event. We fit it into a service instead of focusing a service around it.

On Easter Sunday we had a young girl baptized and I thought it odd to watch us take communion and she let it pass by her because it wasn't "official" yet and yet no one took communion with her afterwards?? Have we not missed the point??

Do I think God honors the baptism of all of us who just said "yes" to the question that was asked of us? Absolutely yes! But just wonder how many of us would have been more transformed if we had confessed that "Jesus Christ is Lord" and understood better what it meant for Him to be the Lord of our lives?

So there is my soapbox. I will not step down off of it.

Five Year Anniversary

Five years ago today, my life was forever altered by someone who decided they would get behind the wheel of a car (F150 truck) while drunk and entered the north bound lane of I-75 going south and hit me head on. Unfortunately, there has not been one day in that five years that I have not thought about that day. Unfortunately, the pain I still feel with every step I take, makes it hard to forget. But I am also thankful eveyday that I have two legs to walk on. We fought hard to keep my left leg and I am so very grateful that God healed it to the degree he did.

Time is interesting isn't it?? Someways it seems like five years was a lifetime ago and other ways it seems like it was just yesterday. I wish I could say that during these past 5 years that I have come to terms with it all, but I honestly still grieve the life that was taken away from me. I want that life back, but I know I can't have it. I am doing my best to embrace my "new normal" but I am not there yet.
I think that is one of the reasons I am looking forward to our move to Colorado Springs, it is a chance for a new start. No more driving on 75. Although I am nervous about finding a new orthopedist. I am just praying I won't need one. I go to see my orthopedist here April 22nd and hope that he gives me a great report and promising news about my future.

One of the things I will take with me is the memories of how wonderful all my friends and family have been! I could not have made this journey without the love and support of all of you! Especially all of your prayers!! The awesome thing about friends in the Lord is you know you will always have that love and support and they are there as prayer warriors anytime you need them. I am so very thankful for that.
I will be able to say as Paul did in Philippians 1:3-"I thank my God every time I remember you."

Celebrate Easter!!

Don't you just love Spring? I love the change of seasons and I love each of them for different reasons, but I have to confess that Spring is my absolute favorite. I love watching all of creation come back to life with all the brillance of colors! It is such a visual reminder to me of what my Lord Jesus has done for me. I was so very dead in my sin and He has given me Life. It wasn't till recently that I was contemplating the day that Jesus died and it came to me that Satan is not all knowing and He did not know that Jesus was going to rise from the dead. He actually thought He had won. That wasn't a new thought but what I visioned was when Jesus started to move and come back to life, can't you see Satan calling all his demon forces and them trying to keep Jesus down and Him breaking through and the victory that it was over Satan? No wonder He works so hard to keep so many from knowing the truth, and no wonder He works so hard on me to not live the life I have been called to live. 2 Corinthians 5:15-"Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again." Thank you Lord Jesus that your death and ressurection did not just give me one time forgiveness, but every second, of every day forgiveness day after day because that is how often I need it!! Thank you for ALL the times you ressurect this dead heart and bring it back to life! This will be the first time in I don't even know how many years that I did not buy a new Easter dress. I decided that it was time to realize that Jesus did not die for me to have a new dress but to have a new heart.
My favorite Easter Song by Keith Green, one of the best Christian singers of all time.

LTC (Leadership Training For Christ)

For fifteen years Good Friday has always been busy loading up, driving to the hotel, unloading, organizing and waiting for kids to arrive to participate in Leadership Training For Christ. For the last five years I wasn't responsible for all the details but still tried to be a part of the weekend because it is something I really believe in. Helping kids discover their spiritual gifts and how valuable they are in the work of God just ignites my spirit. Tonight I listened to 15, 3rd to 4th grade girls read their Bibles for 2 minutes publicly. They were such a joy. You could tell from their voice inflections that many of them actually believed about the God they were reading about. I wrote on the bottom of each one of their score sheets "I hope you will Always love reading God's Word". You couldn't help but wonder what life would bring to each one of them in the years to come and if their roots would be deep enough to stand strong and withold all those storms? I hope so.
It doesn't matter if the kids do chorus, puppets, art, drama, speech, etc. every event has an opportunity to teach a spiritual message that will stay with each child for the rest of their lives. Look at some of the themes from past years.
Romans... I Am Not Ashamed
II Samuel...Chosen by the Lord
Luke...With God and Men
II Kings...Open Our Eyes
Revelation...He Shall Reign Forever and Ever
Genesis...In His Image
Matthew...Go
Life of Moses...Stand Firm
Luke...Lost and Found - Luke 15:32
Joshua, Judges, Ruth...Take the Lead - Judges 5:2
Acts...Unstoppable! - Acts 5:42
1 Samuel...Here I Am! - I Samuel 3:16
John...Light-Life-Word - John 1:1-5
2 Samuel...The Rock - 2 Samuel 22:2, 3, 32, 47

This year the theme was The Rock and here are the lyrics to the songs that we sang:

There is no rock, there is no God like our God
No other name worthy of all our praise
The rock of salvation that cannot be moved
He’s proven himself to be faithful and true
There is no rock, there is no God like ours

Rock of ages, Jesus is the Rock!
Rock of ages, Jesus is the Rock!
Rock of ages, Jesus is the Rock!
There is no Rock, there is no God like ours!

I'm standing on the rock of ages,
Safe from every storm that rages
Rich, but not from Satan's wages.
I'm standing on the solid rock.

Through my disappointments, strife and discontentment
I cast my every care on the Lord.
No matter what obsession, pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock.

Even though He's gone now, I don't feel alone now,
With comfort came the spirit of the Lord.
Now His hand will guide me from temptation hide me
I'm standing on the solid rock.

Now I'm pressing onward, each step leads me homeward
I'm trusting in my Savior day by day
Close is our relation, firm is it's foundation
I'm standing on the solid rock.

I'm standing on the rock of ages,
Safe from all the storm that rages
Rich, but not from Satan's wages.
I'm standing on the solid rock.

When my burdens heavy won’t you lead me to that rock
Lead me to that rock, yeah lead me to that rock
My load will be made lighter if you’ll lead me to that rock
It has been a shelter for me.

Lead me to that rock that is higher than I
Higher than I, so much higher than I
Lead me to that rock that is higher than I
It has been a shelter for me.

Now when the devil tempts me won’t you lead me to that rock
Lead me to that rock, yeah lead me to that rock
He can never defeat me if you’ll lead me to that rock
It has been a shelter for me

Lead me to that rock that is higher than I
Higher than I, so much higher than I
Lead me to that rock that is higher than I
It has been a shelter for me.

My prayer is many years from now when the sweet girls that sang this song face something that shakes their foundation that they will remember that God is their rock and He will help them stand firm.

In years past we had up to 50 kids participating in LTC. This year there were seven.
I confess that I am really struggling to understand why our young families are not supporting this great event?? There is time for dance lessons, gymnastics, year around sports, plays etc. but 6-8 weeks of an hour a week preparations for this event is too much? Many object to it being on Easter Weekend. I could understand that if I saw the majority of these families were particpating in Good Friday services and spending time in family devotionals contemplating the true meaning of Easter. Guess I am too judgemental, but Easter seems to be more about new Spring clothes and egg hunts and candy with a little Jesus on the side. Then I stop and see how 10,000 children participate in LTC each year (don't know how many families that is, but last year it was 489 churches) and I realize somewhere people do embrace the value of LTC and I am thankful. Then I think of my sweet friends the Deans who have a daugther who is participating in her 2nd LTC this year and how excited they are about it...their sweet Gillian is confined to a wheel chair and has a major seizure disorder. She doesn't speak but can light up a room with her smile and yet she completed the service project segment of LTC because her parents were intentional about taking her to visit others and brightening their day, and then tomorrow she will do signing for the deaf and be part of their chorus. Her parents are at a church that values what kids can learn through the LTC experience and where everyone from young to old gets involved to support it. Did I hurt for my girls singing tonight that there were only six people in the room cheering them on? You betcha! But I hurt most for all of those who weren't there to be blessed by listening to these sweet girls sing about their love for the Lord.

LTC has been around since 1960 and keeps growing, so I think it will be around for a long time. And I am glad to know there are many other adults that will continue to keep the legacy alive. Best of all who knows perhaps those girls I was with today will actually be coordinating their churches LTC one day.

This was WAY too long for anyone to read, but I just needed to express my heart as this will probably be my last LTC unless someone brings it to Colorado. If only I was younger :-)

Colorado Springs

Well, if everything continues to proceed okay, we should be living in Colorado Springs by the middle of May. After a couple of months of being up in the air and not being sure whether we should move, we made the jump to do it. We really wanted to be in Denver to be closer to family but after some time looking there, we just couldn't afford the housing prices there. Steve and I could have probably found a condo to be content with but there was nothing for my mother and father, and we are moving them as well. So when we discovered Colorado Springs was so much cheaper, we decided an hour away was alot better than the 14 hours we are now. We were able to find us a nice house and my parents a nice condo and things have fallen into place so far for us to sign contracts on those, and to sell our places here as well.
Now the fun begins as I have to begin deciding what goes and what stays. Since the new house is about 500 square feet smaller, I will definitely need to downsize. Also, I have pretty much had the same decorations for 20 years, so I think it is time to envision something new. But what?? And the truth of the matter is after all the moving expenses there won't be a lot left over for decorating.

I wish God had made all of this a little clearer for us. It seemed that everywhere we turned we hit an obstacle and we were beginning to think that His answer was "no", but then things worked out. I hope that wasn't us ignoring all the signs and just wanting our way?? But then there were parts that were just too good to be true, like having 2 cash buyers for our place and my mom's who are buying our places as is. Then when the bank pre-approved my mom for a loan, it just seemed it was meant to be.

It is kind of scary thinking about moving to where we don't know anyone, but have done it many times before and God has always been good to provide great friends wherever I have gone, so I am trusting Him to do it again. Colorado Springs isn't really what I had in mind in retiring to "small town America", but it is a pretty city. I really love that all day long wherever you drive you can see the mountains. Pikes Peak is really pretty. There are four churches within 10 minutes of every direction so we will see where the Lord will be able to use us the most.

I think Steve is going to love the fact that there is a plethora of aircraft in the skies at all times. With two Airforce bases there, he will have a ball. A program at one of the churches is "adopt a cadet". That would be fun.

So thought I would post some pictures of the new house, because I doubt I will have any more time to blog before we move.


Yes that is a view of the mountains from my patio :-)

Conversations Cafe

This past weekend we had another R.E. Ladies Retreat, which we called Conversation’s Café. We decorated in a café style and had our speakers talk around that theme with
“Conversations with the owner”, “Conversations with each other” and “Conversations With the World”. This is my third Ladies Retreat to be the chairman of the committee and it is always such a fun process to see how God brings a plan together and blesses it.
You start off at that first meeting just brain storming ideas and praying and as the weeks and months progress, He just gives you such clarity. He always brings together the perfect team with the diversity of gifts that are needed. Imagine if everyone’s gift were the same how all the different pieces would get accomplished? Then He brings together the perfect gathering of women. We never worry about “how many” women register, because we totally trust God to bring the women He wants to be there. This year once again God did not disappoint and blessed this retreat in definite Ephesians 3:20 ways!
Thank you God! We are so grateful for Your blessing and Your presence!! I have been going to retreats for more than 30 years and I can honestly say I don’t ever remember coming home from one and wishing I had not gone. But I will confess the thing I have missed on the last 3 retreats is having time to just hang with friends. When you are on the committee, you are so busy with all the logistics, that you don’t get as much time to just visit. I was looking back through some pictures someone sent today and thought “I didn’t get to visit with her, or her, or her”. One blessing I do think a lot of women miss out on at retreats is meeting new people and getting to know them. I guess just by human nature we tend to “hang” with the people we know best and even though we spend most of our time with those people already, at a retreat we want to spend more time with them. You try to build in some times where groups are mixed up and people get to know others a little better, but still for me it never seems to be enough. I tend to eat with a different group every meal, and sit by a different person each session and this seems like the right thing to do. Yet when I come home I just don’t feel like I had good “friend time”. Guess that has been because for several years now I don’t just have one good friend or what many would call a “bff”. But I do have a lot of different women I love talking to, just not so much to “hang” with.
Okay…that was totally off the topic of what I thought I was blogging about which was the way God blessed this retreat. More than some retreats of the past, this retreat had a lot of laughter. Laughter is such good medicine. I learned something new about Angela Tooley and that is she is a comedian, she was a great Julia Childs!

We did a skit about “Rejected Retreat Themes” such as “News Extra: It’s Not All About Me”, “I Will Survive/God’s Plan for Disco”, “Is God in your Wigwam”, “Yodeling for Yahweh” and “Hope: One day Madonna Will Sag Too.” We had props or costumes for each, and that was good for some laughs as well.

All in all it was a perfect mix of good times, spiritual renewal and lots of great food. Robin Kelly provided some awesome meals and a scrumptious dessert menu.
Look at this feast:

So not just physical but spiritual. Thank you God for showing up and conversing with us all in such a special way.

A Glimpse of Heaven

In my last post I told you that Jenny Bizaillion had won her reward and was home with God. On Thursday Steve and I were blessed to attend her memorial celebration. Amazingly her brothers Josh and Jonathan performed the service. Josh lead the praise and worship and Jonathan didn't really preach, but talked about Jenny and the hope she had in the Lord. God empowered both of them to bring honor to their sister in a most difficult time. There have been very few moments in my life where I experienced worship the way I did in that service. The Holy Spirit was spilling all over that room. You could feel God's presence in such a strong way. There was a moment at the end of the service where we were all asked to bow. During his prayer Jonathan said something like "God, we have asked that you keep Satan away from this place today, but right now I ask you to reveal this room to him and let him see that he did not win, You did." At that moment I could see heaven and the way that it is going to be when every knee bows down and claims that Jesus is Lord. I can't wait for that day!
Seems that funerals always cause me to be more reflective of my life. Perhaps because you don't want to die knowing you didn't do all that you want to do. I wanted to be closer to God than ever before and realized that is not going to happen unless I start spending more time with Him. And that is only going to happen if I turn the television off. So for the next 30 days I am going to make a committment to not turn on the television until 5 p.m. every day. (well maybe not on Saturdays)
The time I normally spend on the computer and watching T.V. I am going to spend reading the stack of books I have, beginning with Randy Alcorn's book "If God Is Good." Too....I will get up in the morning and only spend 30 minutes on the computer (checking emails and FB status) Then I can't get on it till after 5:00 as well. I will be posting about what I am reading and what God is saying to me. I am anticipating that the next 30 days will be life transforming. I love the song "Ancient Words", perhaps my heart will truly embrace the lyrics in the days to come.
Ancient Words


(Michael W. Smith)


Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart.
Oh let the ancient words impart


Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

Home Free

In my last post I mentioned Jenny Bizaillion and her physical struggle. She lost her earthly battle but won her heavenly reward yesterday afternoon. I know that when we die in Christ it should really be a celebration, but I also hurt for her husband, child, and the rest of her family who have to continue life without her. I was talking with God and just expressing my confusion as to why one would have to suffer so and a family have to endure watching that suffering when she was going to lose the battle anyway? It just seems cruel. But I do know the cruelty of it all wasn't from God but from our enemy Satan who wants to steal our joy. Yes, for some reason God allows it, but I lay the blame where it belongs and it makes me more eager than before to see Satan get his "final due".

As God so often does in my life, I was reminded of this song from the past by Wayne Watson.

In I'm trying hard not to think you unkind
But Heavenly Father
If you know my heart
Surely you can read my mind
Good people underneath the sea of grief
Some get up and walk away
Some will find ultimate relief

Chorus
Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Out in the corridors we pray for life
A mother for her baby, A husband for his wife
Sometimes the good die young
It's sad but true
And while we pray for one more heartbeat
The real comfort is with you

You know pain has little mercy
And suffering's no respecter of age, of race or position
I know every prayer gets answered
But the hardest one to pray is slow to come
Oh Lord, not mine, but Thy will be done

Let it be...

Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free
Home Free, oh Ive got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free

Where Are You God?

Don't know about you, but there are just times in my life when I have to ask "where are you God?". My head knows He is everywhere. My knowledge knows He is right beside me, but my feelings are "where are you?" Why is it when you are begging for clarification things just seem to get blurrier?? Why is it when you are begging for healing things just seem to get worse?? I have asked for peace and yet peace evades me. It is just so hard to understand. Jesus said he came to give life abundantly, so why is this life so much of the time such a struggle? I know that we don't have the promise that life will be easy, but during these times when the enemy comes against you in such a powerful way I just wish I was stronger. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you". Really?? I yell "Satan, leave me alone" but he is not fleeing. I pray "in the name of Jesus, I tell you to leave" and yet he continues to attack. In the midst of my own disappointment and weariness of the last couple of weeks I have been following the Carepages of Jenny Bizaillion who has been fighting for her life for 14 days. Today over 7,000 times people have posted prayers and thoughts for healing. We thought she was getting better, then she had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee because of gangrene. The last couple of days we thought she was getting better again and now the sepsis is in her brain and causing seizures. How can that be with so many prayers going up for her?? I don't have the answers, I just keep saying to myself "I will trust you Lord, I will trust you Lord. I don't understand, but I trust you Lord." Do you hear me Satan? I will trust the Lord even when He seems silent. I will trust the Lord and not lean on my own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

To Move Or Not To Move??

I am home from my Denver house hunting trip. What an emotional roller coaster that was! I thought I was at peace with the decision not to buy, until I got home and realized that it means I am not moving. Sometimes change just seems good for the sake of change I think. But I am trying to embrace Philippians 4:11-12. Contentment has never been my strong suit. And it is no surprise to anyone who has read my blog for awhile that waiting for God isn't my strong suit either. This time though the part of the puzzle that I just don't understand is why God would have sent an unsolicited buyer for my house who was offering cash "as is". That just doesn't happen very often and we thought it was such a blessing. So I felt a little like Abraham in that God said "go" but in my particular case he didn't provide the "where". It's not like we can just keep our buyer hanging without a definite answer. So once again I feel like I have hit what a friend of mine calls a faith bump. It is amazing when you give Satan a small opening how he turns it into a wide gap. So all day long this is the song that has been coming to my mind and I have been singing "Do I Trust You Lord" by Twila Paris.

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.

Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.

Please help me to also be content.

House Hunting

Boy! Who knew buying a house in the Denver area would be so hard! Houses are so much more expensive here than in the Dallas area. Even though I don't mind downsizing, I don't want to buy a 30 year old house for my 30 year future. I am trying my best to trust that God has already picked our house out and knows how it is always going to work out. I just wish He could make it all clearer. One thing I have discovered, is don't go look at things you can't afford because it just makes the process harder. My emotions jumped on the 2nd house(condo) we saw because it was better than anything I had seen in a month on the internet. However, I don't know if I could see myself living there 30 years from now and there were at least 1,000+ other condos in the area. Not my idea of a neighborhood. So I had to back up and get realistic. Besides it had no features that Steve was wanting and a lot he did not. It did have a great view of the mountains. I have decided to give up on the perfect mountain view knowing that in an hour I can drive up into the mountains. Right now it is all about trying to find something that doesn't stretch us beyond our means. It is so easy to get caught up in what you want and not what you actually need. It is easy for me to be envious of others and wonder how they can afford such a nice home. Steve and I have worked hard over our lives and it just seems like we should have more money tucked away for a day like this, but it is mostly my fault we don't because I am a really bad saver of money. Too it is crazy that in retirement our health insurance is more than a house payment!! Doesn't seem quite right that you work all those years to retire to pay for your medical insurance. Anyway....my nature is to get negative and I really do need to count my blessings and be grateful for what the Lord has given me. So I have to quite frequently say "get behind me Satan". Hopefully in the near future I will be able to post how God blessed this process beyond all I could have asked or imagined.

Blindside

Last week I went to see the movie "Blindside". I wasn't sure about going because so many people had raved about it I did not want to be disappointed. Often that seems to be the way it is, I don't tend to like the movies others like and visa versa. But this was one time the raves lived up to the movie. It was a great movie with a great message. I couldn't help but want to watch the Baltimore Ravens play yesterday, just to see Michael Oher now.

If only there were more Tuohy's in the world. People who saw beyond color to need and rose up to meet that need. I love the line when one of her friends says to Leigh Anne "I bet you are teaching him alot" and she says "no, he is teaching me alot." That is always the way God works; when you think you are blessing other people,it is actually you that is blessed.

There is one problem I had with this movie and that was their protrayal of Christians. I am sure that Leigh Anne Tuohy is a force to be reckoned with and is an advocate for her children and Michael, but I don't think she would do it in a way that dishonored God by using the same foul language that others used on her. When the family prays over Thanksgiving dinner, there is no mention of Jesus or praying in His name. I can't imagine that is the way the Tuohy's say their prayers.

Typical Hollywood. Come close to presenting Christianity as it is, but keeping the reason we all live the way we do out of the movie. They said the Tuohy's practice Christianity without being preachy. St. Francis of Assisi said "preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words". Yes, we all should have lives are reflective of the Lord of our lives. But not once in this movie does it show the Tuohy's gaining strength to live that life in prayer or in community with other believers. Maybe I am unrealistic and this is the best Hollywood can do.

What I find really interesting is when people say to me "didn't you just love that movie?" and I say "yes....but..." They reply, "oh, I didn't really notice that Jesus name was never mentioned". Maybe, just maybe it is because so many of us live life everyday without mentioning His name. Yes, I am talking about myself too.

Home Going

Today I attended the "home going" of an 82 year old sweet sister in Christ. Don't you just love that thought?? Homegoing. I had always heard of homecomings, but not homegoings. Everyone handles grief differently. But the husband and children of Nita Lee understood that the end of life is a time of celebration. Today we celebrated Nita's life with some of her favorite things, including a man playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. I didn't know Nita very well, because about the time she and her husband came to R.E. I had my wreck and as I recovered she got worse in her on health. It has only been in the last year that I had a few conversations with her. My last memory will be running into her and James at Panera Bread and James was indulging her by letting her go back to the counter and order some sweets. She was like a child in a candy store, as all the sweets were so appealing to her. I had to order and didn't see what she ordered, but I just remember her delight in choosing.

I never can attend a funeral without contemplating my own death. I hope that my memorial service will also be a great time of celebration. I am glad that those that love me can have confidence that I have lived my life with the Lord at the center of it. No, I am not perfect and will not have been when I die, but I will be covered by the blood of my Savior and He will make me perfect.

One thing did make me really sad today. As Steve and I contemplate moving it dawned on me that there will be many of my dear senior saints that I have spent the last ten years with and won't be here to see their "home going". While that makes me sad, what makes me glad?? That I will see them again at the feet of my Savior some day. I live my life for heavenly reuinions.

Jesus said..."I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 Yes, Lord I do!!

Rest In Peace

Tonight we went to a visitation of a sweet sister from church. She and her husband had been married for 60 years! I cannot even imagine how lost you feel after spending 60 years with someone and then there not there. It was sweet hearing him telling stories about the woman he loves.

In the last week or so there have been several deaths of people much younger. To me death is harder when it is not what is expected. In other words when you are 80 or 90 each extra day you have is a blessing, but no one thinks a 15 year old or an 18 year old are going to die.

Now that Facebook is such a popular way to stay connected, people post all sorts of things. But I have noticed a lot of people post "Rest In Peace" (RIP)after someone dies. I realize that most people mean well, but what exactly are we saying when we say "rest in peace"? It almost sounds like it is in the dead person's control to make sure they are resting in peace. Like we can will someone to rest in peace??

The truth of the matter when you are in Christ Jesus when you die, there is no doubt that the person is resting in the arms of the one who is perfect peace. Our life is over, there is nothing we can do. We don't have to wish someone peace, they are at peace. Unfortunately, if they are not in Christ then you can say "rest in peace" all you want and it won't do any good because that person is not going to have peace now or forever. It is a terrible thought.

Look at all the verses that promise us we have peace in Jesus Christ.
John 14:27
John 16:33
Romans 3:17
Romans 5:1
Romans 15:13
Ephesians 2:14
Philippians 4:7
2 Peter 1:2

Then these are all the verses that say God himself is Peace:
Romans 15:33
Philippians 4:9
I Thessalonains 5:23
Hebrews 13:20
Revelation 1:5

So maybe I am being nit picky but I think the better thing to say would be "I am glad you are at peace" or "thanks for the memories" or best of all "rest in God".

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
2 Thessalonians 3:16

The SON

I am sitting here all nice in warm in my house on a really cold day looking at the sun beaming through my sun room windows. It made me think how deceiving it looks. It is such a bright sunshiney day that it looks like I should just be able to walk outside and sit on the deck. But it is only 27 degrees outside today. I thought of two different spiritual truths that this represents to me.

First, is this not the perfect picture of the SON?? He brings light into the darkness. He brightens our lives. He brings the warmth of His love into our hearts. The SON radiates and reveals what is hidden. We are drawn to the SON.

On the other hand on a day like today the sun is also somewhat like Satan in that it is actually disguising what is really happening. We think the sun warms things up and when it is shining brightly we just assume it will be warm outside, but on days like today, even though it looks like things should be warm, it isn't. Satan is the biggest deceiver of all. He makes things appear appealing and we walk into his trap.

The lesson for me??? Is it is always in my realm of control which way I look at things. I hope more and more I will see the SON and bask in all that He has to radiate on me.

"The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:3-5

Christ In Christmas

When we were in Omaha for Thanksgiving I went to Parables Christian Bookstore and found a book entitled "25 Days 26 Ways. To Make This Your Best Christmas" by Ace Collins. It was an enlightening book. If we are intentional about keeping Christ in Christmas then you can find Him in all the Christmas traditions: wreaths, lights, card giving....even shopping! I tried to put some of the thoughts into practice. One of the things I plan on doing in future years is getting rid of my Santa Clauses and replacing them with nativity scenes or things that will remind me more of the reason for the season.

One change I made this year is I replaced my angel on top of my tree with a star. In reading Brock and Bodie Thoene's book "Why A Star" and Ace Collins chapter on Lights, I realized that perhaps God used a star to announce Christ's birth because Christ was going to bring light into darkness. I wanted a star on top of my tree to remind me that I also am to be light in a world of darkness.

The other thing I had never considered, is perhaps the shepherds were the first to get the announcement that Christ was born, not just because they were lowly, but because Jesus would himself be the Good Shepherd, and the lamb.

One of the things I discovered is that there is even a spiritual explanation for the "12 Days of Christmas". First of all the 12 days of Christmas actually started on Christmas day and continued to the day of Epiphany (January 6th)
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."

The other symbols mean the following:

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed


Now SNOPES says that this is not true, but I for one will not sing this song again without remembering a possible alternate meaning. I found a post by Dennis Bratcher that I tend to agree with "However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. While some have trying to debunk this as an "urban myth" out of personal agendas, others have tried to deal with this account of the song's origin in the name of historical accuracy (see Snopes on The 12 Days of Christmas). There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical and logical discrepancies.

However, we need to acknowledge that the "evidence" on both sides is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. Lack of positive evidence does not automatically provide negative evidence. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, "there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation. . .." What is omitted is that there is no "substantive evidence" that will disprove it either.

It is certainly possible, in fact probable, that this view of the song is legendary or anecdotal. Without corroboration and in the absence of "substantive evidence," we probably should not take rigid positions on either side and turn the song into a crusade for personal opinions. That would do more to violate the spirit of Christmas than the song is worth. So, for the sake of historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge the likelihood that the song had secular origins.

However, on another level, this should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of Christmas. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was only a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?"

I'm Back

So don't know that anyone will see this, but I have decided to blog again. Probably won't be everyday,but we will see what happens.

Today has been a hard day. Usually, the day after Christmas is a depressive time for me, today was not so much so. Probably because the focus of today was not on me but others. I visited three different people who had to spend Christmas in the hospital, passing room after room of other people who had to be in the hospital and nurses who were having to work to care for these people. Most of these people do not occupy my thoughts most of the time, but the did today. And it has caused me to ask my Father for forgiveness. There are so many sick people that I have procrastinated visiting. My good intentions don't quite do the trick. I remember all too well how important visitors were when I was in the hospital. It was not only important to feel you weren't forgoten, but it really helped pass the time. So you think I would be better at living out the lesson for others. I think the reason I procrastinate is because I think I have to have the "right" words to say actually knowing there are no right words. I have no answers as to why God allows suffering. I keep wanting a pat answer, but there is none.

One of the sweet ladies I visited today has been put in a nursing home because she needs antibiotics by IV every six hours and has no insurance for home health care. It was so sad to see this 40 something woman in this facility with so many elderly people who can not take care of themselves. But if that were not enough, while her mother was visiting this morning she felt like she was having a heart attack and they had to call 911 who transported her to the hospital, one block away and now she is in the hospital as well. I just want to say "excuse me God, I know you are God and I am not, but this makes no sense. Is not Lorna having it hard enough without this happening? How can this be for any good? But I do know you are God and I am not and you have promised you will cause ALL things to work out together for good". That is enough.

I tried to do more of Advent this year, but was not very successful, a little here and there, but definitely not every day. But studying for three lessons for the ladies class I teach taught me a lot more about the Adevnt season and celebration. One thing I learned that Advent is not just about the "coming" of Jesus' birth but also about His second coming. Days like today make me more eager than ever for that day to come. Heaven, where there is no pain, no sickness, no sorrow but just perfection in total fellowship with our Father, Son and Spirit. Unfortnately, I don't spend near enough time anticipating that day and being eager for it to come. Years ago there was a song by Newsong called "Fingertips and Noses" that I loved. I hope that more and more in the days, weeks and months again that I will capture this spirit.

Up in the hills somewhere in Kentucky
In a little old school way back in the nothing
Where special kids born with special needs
Are sent to learn life's ABCs

Their teacher, Mrs. Jones, tells them all about Jesus
How in the twinkling of an eye He's coming back to get us
About streets of gold and pearly gates
How they want to go, they just can't wait
And she can't keep them in their seats
They're all at the windows straining to see

And it's
Fingertips and noses pressed to the windowpanes
Longing eyes, expectant hearts for Him to come again
All they know is that they love Him so
And if He said He'd come, He's coming
And they can't keep their windows clean
For fingertips and noses

She tried to explain to the kids about His coming
She tried to calm them down, but they just wouldn't listen
They just giggled and they clapped their hands
They're so excited that He's coming for them
And the first thing you know they're out of their seats
Back at the windows straining to see

Where will Jesus find us when He comes again?
Will we be like little children waiting just for Him?

With our
Fingertips and noses pressed to the windowpanes
Longing eyes, expectant hearts for Him to come again
All we know is that we love Him so
And if He said He'd come, He's coming
And we can't keep our windows clean
For our fingertips and noses

Final Post

Well, I have been debating for a couple of weeks of whether I would continue to blog and I think I have made the decision to quit. When I first started my blog in 2007 it was to help me process my journey through my car accident and so many of you were so encouraging and helped me with the emotional healing during that time. Then in the last year I have been blogging about some spiritual things God is teaching me. This summer it has mostly been about my travels. But now I am just dry and don't think I have too much to say that would entice anyone to want to read. I think it is because I spend too much time on Facebook. I like Facebook though because you can keep up with so many different people and I really enjoy looking at other people's pictures. So if I have something else major to say, I will probably just post it as a note on Facebook.

So the last two days our internet has been down, so I couldn't blog yesterday about Steve and my 20th anniversary. We still can't believe that it was 20 years ago that we got married. It just seems like it has gone so fast. Since the Alaskan cruise was our gift to ourselves, our day was spent with a simple movie and lunch at Saltgrass. We went to see "Angels and Demons" at the $1.00 movie, so we had fun on little money :) We thought "Angels and Demons" was much better than "Divinci Code". It had a lot of action and plot twists and turns. We then came home and then unfortunately Steve twisted his back really bad and has been hurting ever since.

So Time-Warner came out this morning and replaced the modem and we are back in business.

If I could have blogged yesterday it would have been for one last time to tell you how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband. When we got engaged, he purposed telling me that he promised to love me the way Christ loved the church and I can honestly that he has kept that promise. He is the most unselfish person I know and is always putting my needs before his own. The sweetest thing he does is several times a day he comes and massages my feet while they are up in my chair, and almost everyday puts lotion on them. He just knows that I enjoy it. Steve had no idea when we took our vows and he said "in sickness and in health" that my life would hold so much sickness and pain, but I would not have been able to go through any of it without his love and support. He helps me to remain strong and keep my eyes on the Lord. There is no greater blessing than knowing your husband loves the Lord as much as you (if not more) and will do their best to help you receive your eternal reward. I am thankful we will share eternity together. I thank God for His divine plan in bringing us together.

So for those of you who are still reading, many who I have no idea who you are, I thank you for checking in. For those of you who faithfully took the time to comment I thank you and enjoyed our chats. This is my prayer for all you from Ephesians 3:20-may our Lord bless you abundantly more than all you can ask or imagine. As Carol Burnett would say "I'm so glad we had this time together."

This is Steve and I on the seaplane in Ketchikan.

Last Alaskan Trip Post

So I have shared most of the scenic pictures from Alaska, but here are just some random pics of things I took just because I had a new digital camera and could.

Remember in Tennesse there were Runaway Ramps? Well apparently in Alaska trucks don't runaway, they just escape :)
Not sure I have seen very many kayaks in Texas?Just in case Steve said he didn't relax on our trip.Yes those are dollar bills. Don't know when they started this trend, but evidently people don't mind giving up a dollar to be part of the scene. We did not leave our mark on this place.
Better be careful, you never know who will just snap your picture because they think you might remind them of someone else.
Wish I knew how to carve watermelons, I can hardly carve a pumpkin.
Our attempt to do the teenage thing and take our own picture on the bus. For some reason theirs all look a lot better???
Steve thought it was ironic that we say "watch your head" and the boat said "mind your head". Didn't you think along with me that Palin was popular in Alaska?? Maybe not so much??

Whidbey

After we disembarked the cruise ship, we returned to the airport, rented a car and headed toward Whidbey. My Brother Brad had told us that it would be a nice place to spend the night and kind of debrief before heading to his house. Steve's mom had generously given us money for our birthdays so we used it to stay at a bed and breakfast. It wasn't a tradtional bed and breakfast in terms of the house. While the room was adequate, it didn't have any comfortable seating. But it did have a GREAT view and had comfortable seating outside. They had a very freindly cat, Rocky, that Steve really enjoyed.