Again on Tattoos

I know I probably sound like a broken record about tattoos. LOL
I'm really bothered by Christians that get them, knowing that the WORD says not to.
Here's a very interesting and informative article:
To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo


Apparently, I offended a sister in the LORD by posting this article on my FB page. She unfriended me and then blocked me. I'm not judging her for her new designed tattoo on her arm. I do, however, think she is being convicted for her tattoo, and as always when people are convicted and don't like the source of irritation, they get rid of it. (which was me in this case)

The only thing I put on my FB page was....

Interesting article (then I posted the article) and two verses.

I Peter 2:9-10
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

I didn't say anything else. But since this is my blog and my opinion....LOL....
I would like to mention why I chose those two verses.
I Peter 2:9-10
We are a chosen generation....That in itself is an honor.
A royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people....we are set apart from the world, GOD chose us so why would we want to do what the world does to their bodies?
We should show the praises of HIM that called us out of darkness....GOD has called us out of darkness, and we should show him praises-to me that means in all things-with our words, with our actions, with our bodies, how we represent ourselves, etc.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above...My affection should be JESUS and HIS WORD.
not on the things on the earth....tattoos are just another earthly thing, but in this case much more permanent. :(


It amazes me how much money people will pay for tattoos. Another reason I find it wrong. WHY? Because think of a Christian spending money on a tattoo. There are a hundreds of things we could spend that money on that would be so much more beneficial to the body of CHRIST. There are so many hungry, hurting people. People that need jobs, food, clothing, housing, to get off drugs or other addictions, etc. People that need to know the TRUTH and to be set free! The money could be used for that! Hey just offering my opinion and thoughts here. I am one to look outside the box! Way outside the box in some cases....

Another thing that bugs me is when I hear people complaining they don't have enough money....and yet they have tattoos all over their bodies. Ummmm did ya think about buying food or clothes or paying bills before spending that money on tattoos?

I know, I'm just as guilty of spending money often times friviously too...so maybe that last one is a shot in my own foot.....but maybe instead, we should all ask GOD what we should spend our money on before we spend....that's another post for another day, isn't it?

Years ago, I went to a conference. I won't mention which or whose because I can only imagine the feedback on that! LOL I remember the speaker saying that we needed to accept who we were, because GOD was the creator, OUR CREATOR, and when we don't accept who we are, we are telling OUR CREATOR-GOD that we don't like HIS CREATION! I came to grips with my own personal struggles....my curly hair. I hated it. I never looked like the girls in school, with long, straight, shiny beautiful hair! Anyhow to get back on track here....That's kinda my thoughts on tattoos too. Why do people cover up their beautiful body that GOD-THEIR CREATOR made and created for them with tattoos? The speaker mention that if we had a character flaw that would distract people from hearing the TRUTH, that we should pray about it and if the LORD leads fix that flaw....for example a cleft palate, a extra large nose, etc. So again, I think tattoos turn out to be a distraction for those that might need to hear the TRUTH.

Last point for today...Vanity. I think Tattoos make other people look, therefore people are drawing attention to themselves and that is vane.

K, done for today.
Blessings until next time!

Seriously, New York????

Before I start my rant....I want to apologize for just disappearing.  I have a lengthy explanation, and am working on that post, but to simply state it....I was in sin, and just didn't feel like posting.  I'm sorry for letting so many people down.  I will post about it later, but I'm not finished with that post yet.  I would appreciate prayers-it's a delicate and difficult situation, but I have always tried to be honest with you, and I won't change that now.

Seriously, New York?

You may wonder what in the world I'm even referring to.  I'm ranting about NY getting one of the space shuttles.  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Living in TX most of my life, Houston none-the-less, This is a tremendous blow to the city and state.  I can understand FL, CA, and WDC getting a shuttle, but NY?  Yes, I know it's all political....yeah, like they are going to score points with me....but come on, did we hear the astronaunts say, "New York, the Eagle has landed?"  or did we hear on Apollo 13 did they say, "New York, we have a problem?" 

Ummm....NO! 

Houston has been served a HUGE injustice again.  sigh....I could really get on a soap box here....the Astros and Bud Selig, the Summer Olympics....just to name a few....but seriously....NY?  

What on earth other than politics could anyone be thinking?  NASA's heart and soul is the Houston area, and has been from practically day one.  

For over 30 years, men and women have given their all to the space program, moving their families to Houston to train, study, etc.  Several contracting companies have been associated with NASA and the Space program. 

When the Shuttle exploded in 1986, President Regan came to Houston.  Why?  Because most of the Astronaunts that died were living in Houston at the time. 

I am SO disappointed and angry by this decision.

God Bless the men and women that have sacrificed their lives, time, and energy in our Space program and made Houston the great city it is.  Thank you for all you have done over the years.  Maybe you didn't get the shuttle, but your hard work and determination hasn't gone unnoticed by everyone. 

(BTW....this was on my FB AFTER I posted this blog post, so I came and added it on.)
Will you consider signing a petition? 
http://www.change.org/petitions/a-retired-space-shuttle-belongs-in-houston#signatures

Blessings until next time.

Paddling brought back

Paddling has been brought back to Temple, TX school district. 
Paddling article


When I was in jr high and high school, paddling was still in effect.  When my oldest went to private school, paddling was in effect there too.  As a parent, I had to sign a waiver that basically said that in order for my daughter to go to school there, paddling was used and if she received enough demerits, paddling would take place.  Obviously, I didn't have a problem with that.  :D 

I believe GOD made the bottom for spanking.  Spanking, NOT beating!!!  I believe the verse "spare the rod, spoil the child" is true, despite what anti-spankers believe.   

Proverbs 13:24 (King James Version)

24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 23:13-14 (King James Version)

13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

I'm not saying a spanking is always the answer to discipline.  I have one child that a word was usually enough to get her attention, another child that taking away priviledges got his, and one child that a spanking did wonders.  It all depends on the child and the disobedience they commited.  Now that my children are older, I don't spank anymore.

When my children were little, and they disobeyed, I asked them what they did.  They would tell me.  Then I would ask them what the Word of GOD says.  They would quote, Ephesians 6:1-3 to me.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (King James Version)

Ephesians 6
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

I would them spank my child, usually with a wooden spoon, enough to make it hurt, but not severely.  After the crying was over, I reminded my children I loved them and I wanted them to grow up in the nuture and admonition of the LORD  (Ephesians 6:4), remind them that they need to obey according to the WORD, that I loved them always, and give them a hug and a kiss. 

I never wanted to spank my children without them understanding why they were getting a spanking, or without them knowing that I loved them afterwards.  I know some people don't agree with spankings, but they can be very effective if done properly. 

Blessings until next time.

MY OPINION on snow...

Here's my opinion on living in the snow:
I think I would like to pass. It's expensive. You have to spend money on hats, mittens, scarfs, heavy coats, long johns, propane, getting towed out of the ditch, extra supplies in case your snowed in, snow plows, shovels, maintence on roads-plowing, salt and sand.
The list could go on and on.

Yes, the snow is pretty to look at for about a day, and then it gets old-very quickly. 

For my southern friends that might not know this...do you know what causes ice to build up on trees in the winter?  Fog...interesting.

Blessings until next time.

FB/Computer MY OPINION

Since my 3 day sabbatical from the computer, my desire of using the computer has diminished greatly, but since the controversy on FB (I had it posted yesterday for awhile on here) and the new layout, I have very little desire to be on FB. Probably a good thing.



I see the LORD pulling me away from the computer more and more from homeschool sites and now fb too. I have for years been involved with the homeschool community through the internet. For several years, I used these sites as support and to offer support-kind of a ministry to newer homeschool moms. My kids are older now, and my need for support has lessened over the years. There are so many people homeschooling now, support is found all over. It's time for me to move on.


Yesterday, I got the new FB layout. I hate it. It's not very appealing to look at in my opinion. Not only that, but with the saga of a "friend" giving me a tongue lashing on something that was my personal opinion, I have no desire to even post an update. Will I offend her or someone else? Will I tick someone off? Some of the thoughts that have been going through my head. Many people say, "Well, it doesn't matter, it's your fb page." It does matter...we shouldn't purposely try and tick people off. Now if we are stating GOD's truths and they are offended, that's totally different. Of course, I wasn't trying to offend or tick anyone off the other day. I was giving my opinion about something. As many of you know, my opinion is something I like to share.


Recently, I've been accused of many things because of my opinion.


1.Recently I received this from a family member in a FB private message over my thoughts on Pat Robertson's statement about Haiti:


"you refuse to accept any opinions but your own and other people who agree with you. this is why you should include on your friend's list only those who agree with your opinion and the reason why i should not be included".


2.I should keep my opinions to myself.


Among some other things that I can't remember off the top of my head to post.


I would like to address both of those statements.


Up until recently, I would have agreed with that first statement. I would have been guilty as charged. Over the past couple years the LORD has shown me it's okay to have a differing opinion than someone else and still remain to be friends. HE is showing me that I can love outside of my own opinions. In the past I thought if someone didn't agree with me, they didn't love me. Obviously, that is a lie that satan used against me for a number of years, and won up until I realized it wasn't true. Now, I try to respectfully disagree, and when I don't agree, try to say, "I respectfully disagree with you."


I have deleted things or removed them sometimes to avoid more conflict, not because I think another person's opinion isn't valid.


There are some circumstances, that even if I love the person and disagree with them, I have had to let go off on FB because they continually want to argue with me. I am learning it's not always worth the fight. Not all of us determined people learn these things quickly. I have not learned quickly from my previous mistakes, but thank GOD I am learning. :)


On to the second point....hmmm, keeping my opinions to myself. Maybe that's true, maybe I should. I don't think it's likely going to happen anytime soon to be honest though. Often times my opinion isn't even my opinion. It's the word of GOD, and people get offended by it. In which case, I cannot help, nor stop-especially if I am to obey the HOLY SPIRIT. I will say this, I will try not to express my opinion on FB anymore, and if I do, I will try to remember to say this is my opinion before I spout off. On the otherhand, I will not stop expressing my opinion on my blog. I will delete opinions that are solely meant to hurt people. If you do not like that, you may stop reading my blog. You have control of what you read or don't read-If you don't like the way something is headed, stop reading it. It's that simple, but DO NOT leave nasty comments on my blog.


To sum it up: My blog is here, for me. For me to express MY opinions, MY thoughts, MY revelations...if YOU don't like it,please feel free to leave! I do my best to keep an open mind, to minister the WORD of GOD, and to encourage others. I am human, I make mistakes. I won't always be right, and often the LORD will reveal that to me in HIS time, NOT yours. I am a work in progress-please remember we all are.


Blessings until next time

Pat Robertson Headlines

Pat Robertson has made headline news again.  Did you hear what he said or just what the media said that he said? I listened to him via the internet from the 700 club, instead of choosing to watch Youtube, where the video might have been butchered to distort what he said or how he said it,  and then went on a history hunt.  Below I have linked what I discovered.

 Unfortunately because most people choose to listen to the media and not go investigate for themselves, the story probably has been distorted or misunderstood. 

Pat Robertson was blaming what took place in Haiti in 1791 as the cause of why the earthquake took place.  If people Christians remember Ephesians 6:12:  (King James Version) 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

AND  they would do a little searching, they would realize Pat Robertson's statement is correct. 
Matthew 11:15 (King James Version)
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear

Was he trying to be hurtful?  NO!  He was trying to give understanding as to why the earthquake was allowed to happen. 

Did GOD cause this earthquake?  NO...but HE allowed it to happen. 

WHY?  Because the people of Haiti have practiced witchcraft and voodoo for decades.

That's pretty harsh, you're thinking...

NO, it's not.  It's not any different than you or I going outside with an umbrella full of holes!  What would happen if you go out in the rain.  You get wet.  Why?  Because you have holes letting rain go through the umbrella and you get soaked.  It's the same with GOD's hand of protection. If we choose not to follow GOD, HIS hand of protection is removed. Look at the children of Israel.  How often they turned their backs on GOD.  HE simply would remove HIS protection from them when they did that.  GOD is a loving and GENTLE  GOD.  HE will NOT force HIMSELF on people.  Therefore, HE has simply removed HIMSELF from the people.  Remember what the Bible says?
Matthew 6:24 (King James Version)

24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  Haiti was trying to serve GOD and satan.  It simply can not be done. 
Try walking in disobedience for a day, and serving GOD....it's not pleasant!  BTDT!

A good read on GOD's hand of protection is here

Many people won't agree with me, I'm sure.  But if you look into the history of Haiti and Voodoo, you will discover that Haiti allowed satan to come and reign in their country.

The good news is there are many Christians in Haiti today, and many missionaries and other Christian organizations leading men and women to Christ daily!  I believe a great revival is going to take place in Haiti, and they will turn to GOD after this destruction the devil has caused.  I'm lifting up the people of Haiti, praying  for those that lost loved ones, those missing, those that don't know the LORD that they will be comforted by HIM and come to know HIM through this tragic event.  What the devil meant for evil, GOD will use it for HIS glory!!!

http://www.webster.edu/~corbetre/haiti/history/revolution/revolution1.htm


http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/11197.htm


http://www.webster.edu/~corbetre/haiti/history/revolution/revolution1.htm


http://thelouvertureproject.org/index.php?title=Boukman


http://www.nathanielturner.com/boukmanandhiscomrades.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petwo


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/520.html


http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0707_040707_tvtaboovoodoo.html


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/523.html


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/521.html


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/102.html


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/010.html


http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/522.html

Blessings until next time!

Color

Recently there's been a pm going from pm to pm on Facebook.  It reads...

Some fun is going on.... just write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. And send this on to ONLY girls no men .... It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men will wonder why all the girls have a color in their status... Haha!

I joined in the fun, but as usual, somehow it ended up not being that much fun, when the criticism started.

• On the issue of modesty:

First of all, the pm was only suppose to be sent to women.  If a man made a comment, how about ignoring it or just saying something like LOL?  For example I put pink, and a friend commented "pepto bismal"  I just commented , "ROFLOL"  there was no need to explain. 

Second of all, if men are obsessed with a woman's bra color...he's been lusting after her for more than that.
Besides if the church would be teaching this verse, bra color might not be such an issue.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (King James Version)

5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

• On the issuse of making people aware:

I think the stir is making people more aware of Breast Cancer.  We know GOD is the HEALER and the CURE, but it's important people are aware.  Not every christian is at the level of understanding or have the faith level for healing yet.  We also need to be aware, so we know how to pray and pray specifically.

• On the issue of those that have had mastectomies:

GOD can heal that too, but in the meantime, what about all the women searching for a cure. Maybe they don't know the LORD...or maybe they do, but don't understanding healing.  Regardless, there still needs to be an awareness.  No, we don't understand the scars, but we are trying to raise awareness to help, not to hurt.

It's time to let it go and move on...

Blessings until next time!

The obvious....

WARNING:  THIS is a MAJOR GRIPE POST!!!

Why are people compelled to tell me the obvious?  It drives me nuts....maybe they forgot (and yes, I told them) that I grew up where it was cold, and have lived in cold as an adult.  It's not winter yet...that doesn't take place for another few weeks...so the obvious, "It's going to get colder"  umm, yeah, is the obvious!


Also, why are people compelled to tell me, "I understand".  You do?  Really?  Do you?  Have you lived in a tent for a summer?  or a motel for months, cooking out of a crock pot and trying to homeschool your kids?  Have you moved 25+ times? Have you lived on the road for the past 10 years, doing what GOD tells you , and yet because of other people's disobedience you are to shake the dust off your shoes and move on?   You understand how I miss my friends?  How I have to go through the process of being friendly and social, even when the rest of you aren't?  How my family has to make new friends and then leave?  Have you had your children rejected by other kids, because the kids are little self righteous brats?  YOU understand?  REALLY??? ARE YOU SURE???????????

Because I don't think you do!!!!  Really I don't...not when you've lived in the same place for the past 20+ years, have friends where you live, etc...I don't think you do, so give me a break!!!

I can understand that you don't understand...but don't say you do, when clearly you don't.  And don't go around and tell people (namely my dh) well she needs to get over it, and it's her fault why things haven't come together for you all yet...because you don't know me well enough to make that judgement call! 

I have been friendly, I have walked in love, yes, I complained (only minor about living here), yes, I have gone the extra mile, so instead of judging me,  will you pray for me? I thought that's what we are suppose to do for one another, lift them up, bear one another's burdens, encourage and help where we can...at least that was my impression of GOD's word...maybe I'm wrong???? and NO, I will not confront this person's ignorance.  I will pray for them, but needed to get this out of my system!

(Climbing off my soap box now)

Too Long?

We were at a birthday party last week,  for one of my dd's co-workers.  I overheard a couple of women chatting about church.  One of the women annoyingly said, "I can't wait to get out of church after an hour, after the singing and announments they are just getting started."  I didn't hear the rest of the conversation...noisy party and my mind was reeling. All I could think of was "You're complaining about an hour?!"  So here's some thoughts....  :)  (hey I didn't get nominated for best opinionated blog for nothing-lol)


There's many ways of looking at this. 
1. An hour of your time, once a week to come together as a body
Isn't that the least you can do?  I mean hey JESUS was on the cross for you for more than one!


2. I would be ready to get out of church after an hour too, if I'm going to a dead church!
What's a dead church?  Religion vs Relationship!  There's no worshipping or ushering in the HOLY SPIRIT. There's no movement of GOD.  There is however, tradition and legalism week after week.


I loved going to church at home.  Often times we would be there 3 to 4 hours or even longer.  We would worship and praise the LORD sometimes for a few minutes or sometimes a few hours in song.  Many Christains do not understand the importance of praise and worship.  It's not about how long you sing or pray, it's about a relationship, humbling yourself to GOD, seeking HIS presence, thanking HIM for what HE has done and knowing (having the revelation) of the great things HE has done. It's welcoming  the HOLY SPIRIT.  Why would you want to go to a church where the HOLY SPIRIT isn't there?  sigh...I want to feel the presence of GOD!  I want to see miracles and signs and wonders!!!  Those things aren't going to take place, if the HOLY SPIRIT hasn't been ushered in.  (AND NO, those things didn't die with the saints of old-GOD is the same yesterday, today, and forever!) 

I encourage you if you're one of those people that just want to get in and out of church, to re-evaluate your purpose in going.  Why are you going?  What's the purpose and point?  Are you going to ease the guilt from the night before?  Are you going because it makes you feel good?  Are you going because you think this is what is required to enter into Heaven?  Are you going because the WORD says to "Not forsaking the assembly of the brethren"?  I assure you, none of these are the right reasons, and if you are going for  any of these only, you will never be satisified in going to church!

Go to church to worship and praise GOD for the great things HE has done!  Go to church to learn how to walk better as a Christian and to learn to grow in GOD's truth!  Go because HE loves you so much, and you want to show HIM love back. BUT by all means do NOT feel like you are forced to go- That is condemnation and then you'll end up hating going!  GO because you want and desire a more personal relationship with GOD-the creator of the universe, HIS SON, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT, who comforts us until JESUS returns. 

Blessings until next time!

MY Opinion on opinions!!!

Yep, everybody's got an opinion. There's lots of sayings about opinions-maybe as many sayings as there are opinions! LOL Have you ever noticed that most opinions don't really matter or count? Well I want my opinion to matter and count. As I reflect on that, I realize my opinion or matter isn't going to count unless it lines up with the Word of GOD. Maybe people of the world won't see it as mattering or counting, but GOD will. HE knows my heart, HE knows I long to live for HIM and delight in HIM. HE knows I want to honor HIM. So even though my opinion might not matter to the world, as long as my opinion lines up with the Word of GOD, I'm lined up with GOD.

Does that mean I should go around and bonk people over the head with my opinion? Well I think it probably depends on the issue. There are things that are clearly wrong with the world-but when we start attacking the sinner instead of the sin, what are we really doing? Are we walking in love as CHRIST walked in love? Are we showing the sinner forgiveness and truth?

How do we share our opinion in love? Do we go out petitioning, yelling and screaming, carrying signs of anti-our opinion? I think not....

I think this is when we need to get on our knees and pray and seek GOD. Seek forgiveness for our nation, seek forgiveness for ourselves, seek forgiveness for the sinner. We should pray that GOD will send loving Christians in the path of the sinner, to show them the love of JESUS, that will share the truth with them in a kind and loving way, not condemning, but by example.

Ephesians 6:12 (King James) says:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

II Chronicles 7:14 (King James) says:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I shall hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

So unless our opinion lines up to GOD's word...we are just airing OUR opinion! So what does HIS Word say about my opinion?

Proverbs 18:2 (New International Version)
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

OUCH!!! Yep, I've been a fool before, even often! sigh, but thank GOD for HIS forgiveness and grace! Thank GOD that we can ask for HIS forgiveness when we are HIS children and HE is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness! (I John 1:9) Oh Hallelujah!!! Thank YOU, LORD!!!! HE knows we fall short. HE knows we're a work in progress, that's why HE continues to extend HIS grace, love, and forgiveness to us! (and that's why we should also to everyone)

If you're in need of HIS forgiveness today, just simply ask. HE's there with open arms, waiting. Don't be like the prodigal son that had to live with the pigs first, before he humbly asked for forgiveness. GOD didn't want that for the prodigal son and HE doesn't want that for us either! (just because HE doesn't want that for us, doesn't mean we won't get that if we're not willing to humble ourselves)

Blessings until next time!

The Grass is always Greener

As many of you know, we've been trying to sell our house in TX for over a year. :( The realtor that is in charge now, has a site to get feedback from other realtors showing the house and what the potential buyers think. The other day we got feedback from someone that says the house looks abandoned and that it needs yardwork...HELLO!!!! We invested a ton of money...painting, cleaning the carpet, stretching the carpet, cleaning and maintaining the yard. We don't have any more money!!! Not to mention the fact that there has been a drought in TX all summer and we've lowered the price well below the market value! Oh and not to mention the fact, we haven't lived there since May!!!! (I think the realtor should send someone out to take care of the yard if it looks that bad. I thought that was part of their job....but that's a whole nuther matter and topic)

We've also got people saying the house doesn't have the upgrades they are looking for....um the house is 6 years old. I'm not putting in upgrades, when there is NOTHING wrong with the house now! Come on, people....for the price we are selling you could put in upgrades and a built in swimming pool in the back yard!!! GIVE ME a BREAK!!!

Hmmm...is that expressing my opinion or what? LOL....don't forget to vote for me at....
http://hsbapost.com/2009/11/get-your-vote-on/ category 12...Great Adventures II!

Thanks and blessings until next time!

Topic: Church Struggles...

A url friend posted this on a board:
Background - Reader's Digest much condensed version. We left a church in January 2007 because of major doctrinal issues. We came to this church because we knew people here and my daughter had friends here already. For various reasons, she only goes with us on Sunday mornings, and goes to a different church for youth group. She would just as soon leave our church for the other one totally.

Last year, the new church went through a pretty bad split. It has not recovered from that split yet, and has slowly been bleeding off more and more families. Last week, our home group leaders announced that they were ending the group. He had been one of the elders until he resigned earlier this year. Tonight they told us, not unexpectedly, that they are leaving the church after next week.

We've been fairly unhappy there for some time ourselves. Since the split, the pastor just hasn't gotten back to where he was as far as the quality of his sermons. We leave in two weeks for our vacation, and I strongly suspect that when we return, we will be leaving the church also. I really don't want to go through this again, but it looks like we are. We just don't know where to go. We would love to go to the same church that dd goes to youth group at, but that church holds it's own set of problems.

I know several of you are dealing with church issues also. It's such a tough position to be in! I never went through this before I moved out here. I grew up in one church, only left it when I moved, same as all the other churches I've attended over the years. And now to be in a position where it looks like I'm leaving another one....I don't like it, not one bit.

My response:

I'm sure, as usual, not everyone is going to agree with me. We have been living on the road for a number of years now. We had a church at home that we regularly attended. When we moved about 8 years ago, the church went through a split because of various reasons. (I don't know all of them, and I don't care) The church hasn't been the same since. It's close, but still not the same. (We go back often to visit)

Since we have lived in so many places, we've tried to find a church similar to our old church. We have found one in the past 8 years. Unfortunately, we moved away from that area.

Maybe none of this is making sense, but in my mind I'm building up to my point...

A couple things I've had to remember and keep in mind...
1. No church is perfect. It is filled with people just like me-sinners, saved by grace.
2.Every church has it's problems. How the pastor and the staff handle the problems is the key.
3. We are the church. Church begins with us, from the time we get up until the time we go to bed.
4. Since we are the church, I'll go back to a discussion I think I brought up on here a long time ago...IF we look at the book of Acts, the church's purpose was to disciple and train and send out. We as a modern church DO NOT do that. Most churches nowadays have become social clubs.
5. We are suppose to be lead by the SPIRIT, not by a doctrine or denomination. Some things might look odd to the world, even our line of thinking, but they may be the SPIRIT moving us. Look at the many examples in the Bible...here's one of so many examples:

Acts 8:26-39

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."
27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian [c] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means "queen of the Ethiopians"). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?"
35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36-37 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?"
38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing

This post is getting too long and I have some things to get done around here. So I'll leave it for now-might be back later.I'll be praying that you have direction, (name here).
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Your thoughts?

Michael Vick spokesperson for PETA?

Say what?

Last night on the radio, I heard that PETA was talking to Michael Vick about becoming a spokesperson for them. ROFLOL!!! Now wouldn't that be a hoot?

The DJ wanted callers to call in with their opinion...well here's my opinion...
If it was true, (which after investigating looks like it's not) It would be typical of PETA or any other animal activist group to do something like that!!! Because as usual, they don't realize how hyprocritical they are! "Oh let's save the lives of all living animals, but lets continue aborting human babies so we can do research for diseases, sickness, and other disabling conditions. "

Um HELLO!!! what's wrong with this picture????
When are people going to wake up and see the truth?
Sigh....

Blessings until next time!

Dumb Dog Lady...

A couple weeks ago I was driving home from somewhere. When I got to the road to turn on my street, I have to go up a hill. As I go up the hill, going about 25 mph, there's a woman with 3 dogs on expandable leashes all over the road. I slow down, wait for her to move herself and her 3 dogs out of the way, and then go by. She gives me a dirty look as I drive by. sigh...

Yesterday, I'm with the girls. We are on our way home...same street. This time I'm going 20 mph, knowing dog lady might be on the street. She is. I slow down, wait for her to move her dogs and herself out of the way...I pass slowly with caution. Lady gives me another dirty look and yells slow down! UMMMMM....so I roll down my window, look back at her and say,
"Why is it EVERY TIME I drive down this road and you are on it you give me a dirty look?" She says, "Because you almost run over my dogs!" I reply, "Ma'am, I live around the corner and come this way home. The speed limit is 30, I slow down to 20. If you don't like that you should walk your dogs somewhere else!" and I proceed to drive home....

What's up with that lady....GEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....
Hey I know pedestrians have the right away...but I've slowed down, and waited for her to move her dumb dogs...if it were me and I knew that someone might be driving down the road, because I could hear the car (and OBVIOUSLY the woman is NOT deaf) I would be moving my dogs and myself promptly out of the way....but this dumb lady has her dumb dogs on expandable leashes and lets them stay all over the road until the last minute with her standing in the middle of the road! Um is it me, or does this seem pretty stupid? sigh....

I'm thinking about writing a letter to the editor at the local paper to be published....maybe dumb dog lady will realize it's not too cool to be in the middle of the road!!!!

Okay, climbing off the soapbox now....

appalled and outraged!

I guess that would describe how I'm feeling at this moment!

Dh found out that he has Type 2 diabetes last week. He thought he might...it runs in his family and he had been showing signs for awhile.

Today, I went to the American Diabetes Assoc. web site. They are thrilled by our new president's decision to support stem cell research! :(

WHEN? WHEN are people going to turn to the GREAT PHYSICIAN first? WHY? WHY is it so hard to look up?

FATHER GOD in the MIGHTY NAME of JESUS, I thank YOU that YOU are a healing GOD. I thank YOU that according to YOUR WORD in Isaiah 53:5 and again in 1 Peter 2:24 that by JESUS' STRIPES we were/are healed. LORD, I lift up those that don't understand this, and I ask that YOU would open their ears, their eyes and see YOUR TRUTH. I know that not everyone is always going to be healed because we live in a lost world, but LORD I know that healing is still for today, that it didn't die with the saints of old, and that we should come to YOU before going to the doctor. I thank YOU that doctors are YOUR mercy before whatever healing YOU intent to do takes place. I thank YOU for healing dh and working in his body. Thank you for healing me over and over again, my children, my family. Thank YOU for YOUR WORD and YOUR PROMISES. Help me to shed YOUR LIGHT and TRUTH to all those willing to receive. In JESUS' NAME. amen

FINALLY an answer...Hysterical, but an answer!

I put my "CHANGE" post over on yahoo answers...Mostly I got anti-Obama answers, like I got here and on my Facebook, however I did receive this answer:

"Speaking for myself, the change I'm looking for has already started. It's a Government with less of an ego. It's about putting the smartest and best people in the right positions to make the decisions in the best interests for the people. Obama is probably one of the most intelligent Presidents we've ever had. He knows how to manage people and he knows how to take different points of view to determine the best course of action. Change he's been talking about goes deeper than world peace, the economy, or health care. Now we have a government which is beginning to put the interests of it's people first, not the other way around. That is the change I was seeking and believe many of the other Obama supports were too. I hope that helps"


Um okay...so this guy seriously thinks that Obama doesn't have an ego? And I won't even comment on the rest...sigh...

and another answer...
"George Bush did whatever he wanted including starting an unnecessary war (there was no Al Qaeda in Iraq when Bush declared war) and had the interests of the wealthy and big corporations (Big Oil got a $2 billion tax break amongst their record profits) at hand but did little for the needs of the middle class. You're probably not a senior citizen, but the Bush Medicare Drug Plan served the interests of the Drug and Insurance Companies, but not the people who need medicines (what a terrible plan). The Republicans won't admit it, but Obama got elected, not because of hs color, but because of Bush's approval ratings (only 27%). Any future U.S. President must do better and most expect Obama do do better than that."
So it looks like instead of looking at the facts, many of the Obamars voted for him because they choose to believe the liberal media???? Ummm, not that I'm shocked, or even surprised...

CHANGE???

Okay, I've been pondering all day the "Change" that people have been anticipating that Obama will bring...the problem is...I don't get it...what are they wanted changed? I'm serious...what is it people are expected?

Do people seriously believe that he will change the economy when the democrats are the the ones that brought change the past 2 years?

Do they want the abortion laws changed? and if so, why? Why would they want the law changed to kill a baby when it's 2/3rds term and babies born at this stage can be, when born premature, kept alive? What if Obama's mother believed in abortion? What if instead of adoption the birth mother aborted? How about teaching kids abstenence and morals? How about teaching them that if they have sex that pregnancy is a possibility and along comes responsibility? And abortion is just a cop out for responsibility???

Do they thing pulling out of the war will bring peace? Because if they did a little history study they would find the muslim and christian nations have been at war since the time of Abraham and will continue to be so until the end of time. It's not that difficult to figure out.

Do they think that health care should be socialized? Because most of the healthcare around the world is and it stinks...just ask people that live in a different country than the US. It's not the health professionals to blame, it's the insurance companies.

Do they seriously think everyone in America should get a hand out? I believe in giving to the less fortunate...but that means helping those that fall on hard times...not people that are too lazy to get off their rears and not try to get a job or work. The Bible clearly states a man that doesn't work shouldn't eat...so why should we be handing over cars and houses to them?

Is it just that people think a black man should be elected? So we elect someone because of the color of their skin instead of voting for his/her principles and morals?

So what change are people looking for...because frankly I don't get it...I really don't...so would someone that actually voted for Obama please explain it to me? Because I really would like to understand it, then maybe change really can begin!

sad for America today...

Why? Because whether it's GOD's will or not...it's sad that American's have become so ignorant.

Why is it okay to vote for someone because they are black, but if you don't you're a racist?

Why is it okay to kill innocent babies in the womb?

Why is it okay for the new first lady say she hates America? MOVE THEN!!!!

Why do people think that one man is in control of our government? Did they not take a Government class in school and learn there are three, yes, three branches of government?

Why is it that we had 6 wonderful years of the Bush administration and now that the Congress has been running the congress for the past 2 years, the United States has gone to hell in a hand basket?

Why is it this man was able to get elected and there is no paper trail, no birth certificate, no college records?

Why does America think that one man can change anything if it's not JESUS?

I have a million whys and yet I have no answers except to look up....

And yet I know it's all GOD's will. HE allowed it to happen. Is it what HE wanted? I don't think so, but HE allowed it to happen. So again, I will lift my eyes unto Heaven, where my help and strength comes from and pray that things will change for the better, that America will turn to GOD and see its wicked ways...

Blessings until next time!

Part 1 Matthew 5:45

Matthew 5:45 (King James Version)
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

After having a discussion with a lounge sister, she used this verse in our conversation. :) I started thinking...I believe this verse has been taken out of context for years...I think that about many verses...I think that when we read the WORD of GOD we need to keep three things in mind...

1. We need to read the whole book...sometimes that's difficult because when the Bible was translated to King James, it was divided for conveinence, and often cuts passages into two different chapters.

2. We should read different versions and go to the original Hebrew or Greek

3. We should read things not as Gentiles, but as engrafted Jews. We were engrafted the day JESUS took on sin and died for us, and we accepted it.

So now going back to Matthew 5:45...

I have heard many people use this verse in reference to blessing or cursing...I disagree with this teaching...and until today, I never knew why, because I hadn't looked at the whole passage until today, when people said it to me.

Looking at Matthew 5....

1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

So, after reading this passage, this is what I think it is saying...
It has nothing to do with blessing and cursing, in my opinion...the way people use it. I do think we will reap what we sow, according to GOD's WORD, but I think it means...HE allows the sun to shine and rain to fall each day. It is saying that we are to love and treat unbelievers and those that treat us wrongly, with love and respect the same way JESUS did each day.

Rain and sun in the original text means the rain and sun as the way we think of the rain-moisture from the sky and the sun-the light of day...

More thoughts on this later...

Blessings until then!

Thank you and other stuff...

First of all, I just want to thank each one of you for your kind and gracious remarks about the new "home". It's a blessing to have people be happy for you! (instead of mad or jealous/covetous-which we've experienced before...sad, but true) Also, a couple things along those lines...GOD is the one that blessed us with this new home! And I want to give HIM all the glory and praise for it. HE is our provider! Thank YOU, FATHER GOD!!!! Also, I want to say, I know it makes my dh very happy to make us happy, but I think really he's the one that gets the bigger blessing out of the whole deal...he thinks he's making us happy, so that makes him happy....does that make sense? Not that we're not happy, lol, we're very happy...but in the long run I think my dh is the one that is really happy, because he likes to be a blessing...and believe me he is! Thank YOU FATHER GOD for a loving, kind, generous, patient, GODLY husband/father.

Second, we have enough room for 10...so there's 5 in our family, when we are all together...so that leaves plenty of room for you all to come and visit and hang out with us...and YES, I mean that!!! (did I mention that the sofa has an air mattress? so cool!!!) And Yes, we would love for you to come and visit us and let us bless you. We are blessed to be a blessing!!!! :D

Now on to other stuff...

I'm so confused about this bail out thingy...I'm trying to be an educated voter...but the more I read the more confused I become...especially after reading the bill. Healthcare? I thought the bill was on the banking system...$700 billion now $250 billlion? Help!?!?!?!? (M, at this point I need the condensed, layman version-lol)

Didn't see the VP debate last night...but I don't care who did better...I already know who I'm voting for...and if you know me, you know who I'm voting for too ;)

on a sad note...
One of the moms that did BFS last year, went on to be with the LORD on Wednesday. :( Mamasmurf aka Chrissy had battle a sickness for some time. Please keep her dh and ds in your prayers as they go through this sad time.

Blessings until next time!