Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Someone I Want You To Meet....

I know I've talked alot about her... because she's important to me. She my best friend! Meet my mother. She's so fun to be around, and she's so nice to everyone. Even someone who I may find quite annoying, she is always patient with and cares about them. I truly admire her for this. She's a "mercy" - if you know what I mean (spiritual gifts). She's a "giver". She's a "sacrificer". She's a friend. But most of all, she's my mom. I wouldn't trade her for the world.
When God allowed her to adopt me, she thought she was the one that was blessed.... but I think of it like this: God could have picked any child needing a family that day to give to her... but He hand-picked me, and blessed ME with her and my dad. I'm blessed beyond all measure.

Meet Mom....


This picture is a couple years old.... my hairs about 13" or 14" shorter than that now... But mom looks just a beautiful as ever! ;) And she's mine! I call her my "crazy little Arab", and I call her "Madre", and I call her "Mom"... I call her "Mother".... I call her "Friend".....
She's my hero in so many ways... she's my example for the Proverbs 31 woman... and my prayer is to be as great of a mom one day that she is for me! :)

I Love You, Madre!


You can read my story right here on this blog!

Click this link: "I Grew In Her Tummy"

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Welcome To My Life....

I think from now on I am going to never open my mouth in public again… and if I even GO ANYWHERE in public, I will confine myself to the discrete little chair in the far, dark corner.

Let me give some examples as to why…. Welcome to my life. My everyday life. And I mean “every” day.


Sunday… Two days ago (26-Apr-09)

1. Not really interested in sitting in the church all afternoon between church services, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go shopping. Not a cloud in the sky and the sun shining bright, I decided to open the sun roof. I finished my bargain-hunting fairly quickly. I got in the checkout line, looked out the window, and saw it pouring cats and dogs (well, actually it was more like rain drops and water)…. “Oh no…. did I leave my sunroof open…?” I’ve never been waited on by a slower cashier in all my life. The rain stopped… I was completely checked out… I walked outside. Spotted my car. *grrrr…… angry feet stomping….* “Crap….!!!” (not the classiest word, I know).... My sunroof was cracked open still. My brand new leather interior was soaked. My radio was soaked. My steering wheel was soaked. Needless to say, I was late for choir practice…. And this is only the beginning. Welcome to my life.


Monday… Yesterday (27-Apr-09):

1. Talking to some people, I turned around and *BAMM!* walked right into someone’s head. My head bounced off hers… a room has never been so silent before… a room has never felt so hot before… – even my ears were beet red. My boss looked at me and made facial expressions showing his concern over my overly-heated face. I simply did my “oh… you know… I pulled a ‘Heather’… again…” look, and he knew. His carefree laughter followed quickly, for he could only imagine what I had done this time.

2. Since I drove my car the last two times we went out to lunch, Doug decided he would drive us in his truck this time. A very large truck. High-off-the-ground truck. Hard-to-climb-into-with-a-short-skirt truck. (I’m sure you can guess where this is going…) Getting in was quite a chore… getting out was another story. I was able to just kinda slide out when my hands were empty, but when we got back to work and I was carrying the two bags full of left-overs (office party) --- well, I tried to slide out… but my left foot got stuck in the truck. Janet was kind enough to catch me after she saw me hopping around on my right foot with my left foot still in the truck. What a site that must have been. People (of course) are standing around everywhere watching this catastrophe take place. Laughing. While Janet and I look like we are doing some new, twisted sort of dance…. Enough said.

3. Trying to hook a phone up in a cubicle in our office to see if there was still a working phone line in that location, I quickly tried to get up, and *WHAM!*…. “Ooowww…. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch…. I’m okayyy… the desk is okay.” (Oooww…). Now I had a knot on the back of my head to match the one on the front of my face.

4. Finally, the workday ended, and home-sweet-home was wonderful. Heating up my left-over steak in the microwave… the buzzer was just about to sound (in .7 seconds), when… *BOOM!* my steak blew up in the microwave. “What… in the…… MOM?!....” I pulled my steak (of what was left of it) out of the microwave, only to find that the 19.57 seconds in WAS in the microwave for hadn’t even heated it up… it was still cold. I pick up a small piece, and… *BOOM!* it exploded in my hand…. Bits and shreds of steak covered my left arm. “Are you kidding me…? This is a cruel joke...."


Tuesday… Today (28-Apr-09):

1. All too eager to check and see if the other empty cubicles had working phone lines, I crawled under another desk…. And as if I hadn’t learned already yesterday… there’s a desk over my head…. *WHAM!!*…. “Ooowwww…. Pain and agony…. Mmm….” The knot is now twice its size.

2. Wondering why my co-worker was limping around, I was so engrossed in her story of how she hurt herself and so concerned with her injury… *SLAM!* (I forgot my knee was still inside the storage closet when I slammed it shut). I dropped to the floor clutching my “bad knee” (the right one… as if cracking my knee cap a few years ago wasn’t enough the first time….).

3. Standing over by Casey’s desk, we were having a small conversation when her phone rang. She answered it in a very silly way… half singing, half screeching… “AMS Deployments….!!” I thought it was absolutely hysterical, so I decided to give it a try. I don’t know how I managed to botch it up, but what came out of my mouth was very disturbing…. “PMS Deployme….n..t….s….. oh my word….” Can you imagine….??? I was mortified.

Welcome to my life…. Never a dull moment. Ever. :)

Monday, April 27, 2009

Whatever It Takes, As Long As It Brings HIM Glory

Last night my preacher preached a message that was so encouraging. He was challenging us to take our faith deeper, trusting that God knows what is best... ALL the time! Nothing surprises Him - and though we might not like everything that is happening in our lives, or what's going on around us, it's HIS choice to make... because HE is God. and God is good. ALL the time, my God is good!

I prayed last night: "Lord, whatever it takes to bring You glory... whatever it takes to bring others to You... whatever it takes to keep me in your will... that's what I'm willing to do. Do whatever it takes, Lord. No matter what I might have to go through. No matter if it takes mistreatment, mockery, embarrassment.... whatever. I'm willing. I'm Yours for You to do with as You deem best."

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Sizzlin' Steak.... yummmm-o!

Earlier my dad and I were talking about diets and weight loss, and I mentioned that one of my newly-discovered favorite foods is a big, thick, juicy steak (with shrimp on tip) with some lemon juice squirted on top.... *mmmmmm.....*

A few hours later Dad came home from his grocery store escapade and asked me how I liked my steak cooked.... :)

There, on the table, were 4 of the biggest freshest steaks I have ever seen in my life!
Again, *mmmmm.....*


Me: "Well done, with nothing red showing.... and cooked in garlic....."

Dad: "Okaaayyy!"

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
(Matthew 7:11)

My dad gives good gifts - sometimes their not the material things of this world that I can hold in my hands - sometimes it's those lessons of life that he shares with me, things like how to budget my money, how to choose my friends, what to be careful about, and how much he loves me.... those are the most priceless things in this world to me. And I cherish them... every one. Because one day I won't have my Dad here on earth with me. But I know where His final destination is, and I'll see him again there one day.

I'm going to enjoy every bite of that big, juicy steak cooked in garlic - with some lemon juice on top!

*yummmmm-o!!* :)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Barak Obama: Angel or Demon?

With all the talk that's been going around about Obama, and the economy, our society, the war? basically every significant thing that can happen to a nation; one question keeps prodding in my mind.

Why are Christians so reliant on/against our president?

On one hand, I see some clinging to him so tightly, in hopes that he will break the bonds of pain and suffering in their lives and bring them into a financial haven? On the other, I see terror stricken hearts, that are sure this is either the end of the world as we know it, or the beginning of a lifetime of pain and suffering?

Two observations I'd like to reflect on with you all (as I'm sure you're aware of the following facts).


1. Barak Obama isn't God.

He is not some majestic superhuman sent down from heaven to bring us happiness and fulfillment in our lives. He's not going to correct all our problems, not even the financial ones.

To make a very general paraphrase of how I view this area, I just want to say, remember that, in this world, life is simply not easy: you will always have to sacrifice in one area in order to gain in another; and nothing of value is ever gotten without someone, somewhere suffering for it.

In this case, it may very well be the guy living next to you, who is a rich, mean old man who is bitter at the government for taking his money and giving it to lazy do-nothings who sit at home watching TV while he sweats blood and tears. Actually, If he had known the lady living next to him had three young children she tries to take care of by herself after her boyfriend left her for someone less complicated to live with and next week the water is going to be shut off? because she can't pay her bills because she's been too sick to work? He probably would've given her the money anyway. People do things like that in America. I've seen people dish out money for all sorts of causes, from cancer victims to people who just want to go on vacation! They make me look like a greedy old scrooge. Maybe we should run to our neighbor's house instead of the government if we need more money.

Forgive the sarcasm, I think I got a bit carried away.

Actually, maybe we should first run to Jesus. Isn't it God who takes pity on us, and provides us with everything we need. Isn't it He who makes the rain fall and the sun shine and the crops grow and the seasons change? Aren't we blessed because God blesses us? Not because we live in a perfect nation with a perfect government. Didn't Jesus suffer for us so that He could give us everything! Not just to give us life, but to give us life "more abundantly". To be complete and entire, "wanting nothing".

The point is, if we are Christians (no, if we are humans) we should regard God as God and run to Him in time of trouble, recognizing that all things come from God and trust in God, not man, not even our president.


2. Barak Obama isn't Satan.

Whatever happens in our country, God is the one who is writing this chapter in history and is using our president (in part) to do it.

The main reason I wrote this note was because so many Christians I know are so critical of our president. They ridicule, make jokes about him, and sit back on their haunches waiting for him to fail and lead our country to ruins so they can say, "See, I told you he'd mess things up! that's why I didn't vote for him!"

Come on, people, Barak Obama is just a man, and we are being just as abominable defaming, and belittling him as we would be to worship him. Let's not forget who put him in office to begin with: God put him there. Not a bunch of confused, mixed up, emotionally wrecked people. God.

If we could argue that some men are good (though none are), I would venture to say, Our president is a good man. I do believe, that Our president's intentions are good: He wants to fix the economy, help people fulfill their dreams, live in peace and harmony with the nations around us, and please the majority (since he, obviously, can't please everybody). Now, will he be able to do all those things - If he could, is he going about it the right way, the best way? Probably not, but then neither would you if you were president. Would you?

Isn't it amazing how zealous we can be when holding on to our American ideal, and superior forms of government, such that ensure free enterprise, the pursuit of happiness and freedom of expression and the right to defend ourselves? and yet, we quickly forget the higher callings God has placed on us: to love and serve one another, to have peace and humility, to honor, love and pray for those in authority?

Our wonderful form of government, in all its brilliance and beauty, is simply, a man-made endeavor, full of faults and errors and incompetences. It encourages hard work, creativity and industrialism and can tend to reward greed, manipulation and power of the rich?

Socialism, which many fear our president is leading us toward, attempts to pull down the fortresses of the rich and powerful and accommodate the less fortunate... this tends to reward laziness, and incompetence. See, neither are without its faults, but it is easy to see why the first has gotten us where we are today (it has been both good and bad). Either would work, really, if we were all good people, but, unfortunately, we tend to go back and forth, trying different forms of government that end up revealing varying forms of our nature: which is, ultimately, greedy, selfish, and lazy.

My whole point is this: let's stop being so dependant on our president, government, lifestyle... and run to God. Let's stop being so critical of people in authority, when it's usually not items of Godliness that are being compromised but more so, preferences that we have; because we've made some things all too important and monumental in our lives.

(written by my friend Rachel Banura, 23-Apr-09)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

"A Strange Way To Save The World" - Jason Crabb

This is where it all began. The author and finisher of my Faith was concieved by a simple, little virgin girl. Facing possbile rejection of her people, she carried out Almighty God's will for her life - "and she brought forth her first born son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Why there? In a stable filled with hay? It's such a strange way to save the world - but it was HIS way. Thank God for the Manger - thank God for the Cross. Thank God for His Son, My Savior. Oh, and Happy Easter... because THIS is where it all began.
Listen to the words of this song. . . .

"Through The Fire" - The Crabb Family

"I'd Rather Have Jesus/Oh, How I Love Jesus" - The Crabb Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqFsFY0M8WI

For some reason it won't let me post the music video to this song - but I Promise You, You will NOT Be Sorry if you click that link right now and see the true heart of the Crabb Family. Wow.

"I'd Rather Have Jesus" than anything this world affords today becuase - "Oh! How I Love Jesus!"

God's been so good to me. God's been so good to me. God's be SO good to me.

Gaither Vocal Band: "It Is Finished"



I encourage you to watch BOTH videos - they are the same song, the same singers - two different occasions - both amazing - and both will touch your heart in a different way.

Please, don't focus on the singers - focus on the words... They are powerful! If this song doesn't touch your heart, then I don't know what will. God's grace is sufficient - it is enough. And It Is Finished!

click here to view more videos by the Gaither Vocal Band:
http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGuaJM_JmyI

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

It Is Finished!

There's a line that is drawn thru the ages—
On that line stands an old rugged cross—
On that cross a battle is raging
To gain a man’s soul or its’ loss....
On one side march the forces of evil:
All the demons all the devils of hell—
On the other the angels of glory,
And they meet on Golgotha's hill
The earth shakes with the force of the conflict—
And the sun refuses to shine—
For there hangs God's son in the balance—
And then thru the darkness He cries:

It is finished, the battle is over!
It is finished; there'll be no more war!
It is finished; the end of the conflict—
It is finished and Jesus is Lord!

Yet in my heart the battle was still raging—
Not all prisoners of war had come home.
These were battlefields of my own making—
I didn't know that the war had been won....
Oh! But then, I heard the King of the Ages
Had fought all the battles for me—
And that victory was mine for the claiming—
And now praise his name I am free!

It is finished, the battle is over!
It is finished; there'll be no more war!
It is finished; the end of the conflict—
It is finished and Jesus is Lord!
It is finished and Jesus is Lord!


IT IS FINISHED!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Corrie Ten Boom - Light In The Darkness

Without a doubt, anyone who has heard the word "Holocaust" knows that it refers to one of the darkest times in history. The stories that you hear are generally depressing and filled with only suffering and sheer hatred. But this is the story of two women who were able to share light in one of the darkest concentration camps. In this place were Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Betsie.

Holocaust - A Ray Of Hope
"We must go everywhere, and tell everyone... There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still." Elizabeth Ten Boom ("Betsie") stared into her sister, Corrie's eyes with the pure love that she was.

Ravensbruck was one of the worst concentration camps in Germany. Fleas and lice were so thick that upon entering the bunkroom, one became swarmed in them. The stench of burning flesh from those that were murdered without warning was a constant stare into the face of death. The food was one half pound of bread and one half liter of soup per day. The work was so hard that the women had swollen legs and were losing circulation in no time.

To make matters worse, the women fought one another for everything. They cursed, pushed, and shoved each other. Even if someone was simply stepped on or bumped. Rarely donated clothes and blankets caused horrible uproars. The few nurses who had access to items such as soap, vitamins, and underwear charged prices such as a week's bread ration for undergarments, 25 gilders for soap, and two days' bread for any pills.

So Was There A Ray Of Hope In This Awful Place?
"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."
Betsie had been frail from birth and was so weak that she was staggering from the weight of a small pail filled with rocks. The guard laughed at her and imitated Betsie's walk. Some of the prisoners laughed as well. Her sister, Corrie, was astounded. Betsie, too, was laughing! "That is me all right," She said. "But you better let me keep going - any more and I will stop all together." The guard was enraged and began mercilessly whipping Betsie. She cried out repeatedly in pain, but her eyes were filled with compassion.

Corrie and Betsie had smuggled a Bible into the camp and traded it back and forth during the day. If the guards found one or caught anyone having meetings, they were to be executed. At first, the women held these meetings very timidly. But as the weeks wore on and no guards came into the bunkroom, they grew bolder. Corrie marveled at this.

Why was it that no guard came in?

Betsie excitedly told Corrie, "I found out for sure, Corrie. I overheard two guards. The guards will not step foot in the bunkroom because of the FLEAS! Thank God for the fleas!" she exclaimed. The women added that to their prayers daily.

The difficult prices for basic things, commodities that few consider of value, remained the same. But the ray of hope was changing something else. Instead of shoving, clawing, pushing, kicking, or cursing each other, the women were responding with "Sorry! That's okay! No harm done! Excuse me please!" What a change this ray of hope brought in by two women had made.

But How Had Such Gentle Souls Found Themselves Here?
Corrie and Betsie lived with their father, Casper, in Harlem Holland. Casper was a watchmaker and a man of great wisdom. His heart was kind. He was an abundant giver to all in need and well respected in all of Harlem. It was he who went in line and got a star, although he was not Jewish. A Jew in line became angry with him. He replied simply: "If we would all wear them, no one would know the difference between Gentile and Jew."

The Ten Boom house had seven rooms. The roof was right outside Corrie's bedroom window. This was where the "secret room" used to save the lives of hundreds of Jews was hidden. Casper, Corrie, and Betsie took in even the high risk occupants, such as babies and the elderly with breathing problems. They turned no one away.

It was critical to have constant drills, because they never knew when a raid would come. Bedding had to be turned over. No warm spots were to be felt. Others in the house must not be suspected. All waste baskets had to remain empty and trash had to be burned. Food plates must be taken with the people into the secret room, and no food was to be spilled. Can you imagine all this done in under two minutes?

Casper, Betsie and Corrie were arrested and drilled with the same questions over and over again. Corrie was especially drilled by a young, intelligent Lieutenant. He tried to get to her by offering comforts, sitting her in a cozy chair next to a warm fire. Corrie was also very ill at the time, so you better believe that fire felt very good in contrast to her stone cold, lonely cell. The Lieutenant continued to probe, "Tell me about your OTHER work."

"Oh, you mean my work with retarded children?" she would respond. "How we taught them about God in our Bible class."

"Where is your secret room? Where are the Jews?"

"We have no secret room." Corrie was steadfast. No matter how hard and cleverly the guard tried, not one of them ever revealed that there were people in hiding.

Papa - What Is It Like To Die?
Casper Ten Boom was so feeble that he was almost not able to climb into the carriage that took them to the prison. Seeing this, the guard who arrested them said: "Ten Boom, give me your word you will behave yourself, and you can die in your bed, old man, where you belong."

Casper met his cold gaze with an unblinking look. "If I stay behind, I will open my door to anyone who knocks for help."

Shortly after, the family was split apart. "God be with you Papa," the girls called out as he was being dragged away from them, and they from him. "And with you, my daughters." This was the last time they ever saw him.

Casper died, taking ill only ten days after being imprisoned. He was denied medical treatment, and his body was thrown into a pauper's grave.

When given the news of her father's death, Corrie pictured in her mind one of the times where her father's faith and wisdom gave her great peace. Her mother had taken her sister, Nollie, and her with her to comfort a friend who had just lost an infant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Corrie was really struck by the cold, lifeless body that was clearly in sight. You see, in that culture death was a fact they didn't try to hide.

When he was tucking her into bed that night, Corrie asked: "Papa, what is it like to die?"

Papa Ten Boom did not look away from her, but held his gaze into her eyes. "When we go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?"

Corrie considered this well before answering. "Just before we get on the train."

Still holding his steady gaze, he said to her: "When the time comes, your Heavenly Father will give you all the strength you need."

Free Before The New Year
Corrie sometimes was very tempted to hate all the cruel men around her, particularly the guard who made life extra hard for them. Betsy constantly told her, "No hate, Corrie. Don't look at it. You know you can only give it to Jesus."

The horrible conditions were weakening Betsie's already feeble body. But the weaker she became physically, the stronger her faith became. It did not take long for her to be excused from work, only waiting for her temperature to reach the required admission level - 104 degrees - And then she must wait for a bed to become available.

Betsie began to talk about a plan. "There has to be a plan, Corrie. We must go everywhere and tell everyone. They will believe us, because we were here. There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still."

Betsie saw a vision and described it to Corrie. In it was a concentration camp - not the one where they were, but another - becoming a place of refuge for all who had endured as they had, that they might be free. She also described an elaborate house, much bigger than the one she and Corrie grew up in, that would be used for the same purpose. And she saw in the vision that both of them would be free before the New Year.

Betsie died in the hospital before the New Year.

Corrie was released very shortly after, also before the New Year. She found out that just one week after her release, all the women her age were taken to the gas chambers.

Corrie commented later: "When they called out 'Prisoner 66730, Ten Boom Cornelia,' I did a double-take. I hadn't been called by my name in so long."

Can You Believe It?
Corrie later learned that her release came through a "clerical error." She was not supposed to get released at all.

Corrie went into over 60 countries and fulfilled both of Betsie's visions. She told her story to anyone who would listen.

This light that they brought with them is Jesus.

His love gave Corrie what it took to forgive that nasty guard who harassed Betsie and her while they were naked in that freezing shower. The same man who beat Betsie mercilessly. She was able to forgive that man only because of Him.

(article taken from http://www.squidoo.com/corrie-ten-boom)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Mom, Don't Scare Me Like That!!

Today was my "pamper and relax" day with my Best Friend Sarah. She's awesome - and we make quite the hilarious team. :)

We went out to lunch at Red Robin, then to Lily Nails to get Spa Pedicures *ahhh!* :), and then we went to the movies and saw "I Love You, Man" -- (honestly, I thought it was a dumb movie - and a perfect waste of $5.00). blah.

While Sarah and I were at the movies my dad called - but since my phone was on silent (so as NOT to disturb the other 5 people that were in the auditorium with us.... yes 5) I missed his call.
He didn't leave a voicemail.
I called him back as Sarah and I were walking back to my new car.

Me: "Hey dad! you called?"

Dad: "Yes... are you home, or are you two still out-and-about?"

Me: "We're still out, but we're actually heading home... what's going on?"

Dad: "Mom went to Bed, Bath, & Beyond and had a fainting spell so I took her to Urgent Care....."

Me: "WHAT?! What do you mean? Is she okay...?"

Dad: "She's going to be fine... yes, she's okay."

People, you don't understand.... my mom is my bestest friend in the world. If anything were to happen to her, I think I would just about lose all drive to live. I can't imagine life without her. I don't want to imagine life without her.

When mom and dad got home she went to bed. I followed her in her bedroom.

Me: "Mom... you scared me...." *kissed her on the cheek*

Mom: "Hey! It scared me too!" (spunky as ever.... my little Arab! ;)

Me: "You're not allowed to ever do that again... ever..."

Mom: (in her cute, little baby voice) "Otay... I not...." :)

Me: "Good.... or I'll be forced to poke you in the nose..."

Mom: (eyes opened real wide, funny facial expression) "Oooooo....."

Ah! She's adorable... in every way. I'm so blessed! :) I don't deserve such an amazing mother! Thank you, Jesus.

Please pray for my mother. The doctor thinks her pain medication for her hip is too strong, and that it might've caused a minor over-dose to her small body (she's 4'11'').
She's home now... sleeping. As spunky as ever. But we all know how quickly things can change - in the blink of an eye - for life is but a vapor: here today, gone tomorrow.

I love my mother more than anything else in this world.
She Is My Best Friend.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Were It Not For Grace

This song has become my “life song” – and I can truly attest to the truth behind every word. Don’t ever let yourself wander so far away as to forget how good God has been to you. My God is good – ALL the time He is good.
Let this bless your heart. I love you all – but more importantly, God loves you SO much. How much do YOU love Jesus?

“Were It Not For Grace”

Verse 1:
Time measured out my days – life carried me along—
In my heart I yearned to follow God,
But knew I’d never be so strong.
I looked around the world and surely Heaven cannot be gained.
People working to attain,
But human effort is all in vain.

Chorus:
Were it not for grace I can tell you where I’d be:
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me.
I know how that would go – the battles I would face—
Forever running, but losing the race...
Were it not for grace.

Verse 2:
So here is all my praise – expressed with all my heart!
Offered to the Lord Who took my place
And ran the race I could not start.
And though He knew in full just how much His love would cost
He still walked that final mile to Calvary’s cross
So I would not be lost.

Chorus:
Were it not for grace I can tell you where I’d be:
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me.
I know how that would go – the battles I would face—
Forever running, but losing the race...
Were it not for grace—
Forever running, but losing the race...
Were it not for grace.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

On the lighter side, if you need a good laugh check out this post from fellow blogger Puffs Pocket.... here I am, sitting in an office full of men at 3:15 reading this post – C.R.A.C.K.I.N.G. up OUT LOUD…. I just couldn’t help myself. I admit, I do so many stupid things and embarrass myself more times that I can count, but this takes the cake! Read it for yourself at: http://puffspocket.blogspot.com/2009/04/friday-funnies_17.html. I guarantee you will laugh.... and if you don’t, take some happy pills and get over yourself. :) I mean that all in Christian love, of course..... ;)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

IT'S A.... Girl??

Well, with the passing of one life comes the beginning of a new life.....
Here "she" is:

(click image for enlargement)

"She's" beautiful. Or.... maybe it's a "he".... who really knows?
That's where YOUR job comes in!!
I'm not sure what to name it.... SOOOO.... let the contest begin!!

I want to see which of you can come up with the best name for my new "baby". Just post it as a comment to this post, and the decision will be made once all the votes have been cast!

Ready? Set?
3........... 2......... 1........
GO!!!!!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Subject: *Scream!*

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O_o

I hardly know what to write.....

It's been SO crazy lately - running here and there, looking for a new car, finding what I think I want, deciding not to get it, continued looking, found another, nope that's not it, kept looking, found one I liked, searched some more, went back to car "C", decided to get it, started the paperwork, did 99% of the rest of the paperwork, and back tomorrow morning to finish the paperwork and drive away in my new 20--....... oh wait, I can't tell you yet! You must wait until I can post pictures - THEN I'll tell you what kind of car I bought! :P haha!

But I do love it. My homework has suffered greatly though this week with all the insane running around I've been doing. And work has been extremely busy too, so it's not like I could sit at my desk at work and work on my homework... no, no.

Hopefully the week will start to slow down a little now.... well, perhaps after tomorrow.
Schedule for 15-Apr-09:

6:30 - 8:10 ---- wake up, get ready for long busy day
8:15 - 8:30 ---- finalize paperwork at dealership and drive away in my new car!! ;)
9:00 - 1:30 ---- ACCT 1080 class
2:00 - 6:00 ---- work, work, work....
6:00 - 6:50 ---- drive to church (yes, it takes that long to get there. honest.)
7:00 - 8:30 ---- church.
8:40 - 9:15 ---- practice music with singers and song directors
9:20 - 10:10 ---- drive home (in my new car!!) from church
10:20 - 10:50 ---- shower, get ready for bed
11:10 - 5:30 ---- slee....zZzZzZzZzZz

Get up and do it all over again the next day!! Sweet life! :)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

I Do Not Believe In Miracles

Today is Easter -- one of the Christian's most happiest days of the year. Why? Because it is the memorial, the "anniversary" (if you will) of the rising of our Savior from the dead!

This morning was our "Sunrise Service" where we have a huge breakfast at the church and a small devotional (during the Sunday School hour) and then the Morning Service to follow. It was amazing!

The Morning Service wa after that.... and wow! It was such an honor unto the Lord!
I was asked to play the piano while the offering was being taken, so I played the "Resurrection Medley" arranged by Mark Hayse (one of my favorite composers). It consisted of "Up From The Grave He Arose", "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today", and "Rise Again". I believe it was a blessing!
Our choir performed the Easter cantata this morning entitled: "Jesus Christ is Lord!" What a blessing! Being up in the choir was an honor and being able to be used of God to witness and give a testimony in the way of songs is so great.
My preacher have a short message after that - a Salvation message - because there were alot of visitors in the audiance. When the invitation was given, our song leader picked the hymn "Only Trust Him", and I played the piano for it.
Though there were many lost people in the church this morning, one man got assurance of His salvation! Oh, how the angels rejoiced! I believe God is at work in many hearts though, with the Holy Spirit as the "after-preacher" continuing to ring strong in the minds of lost men and women convicting them of their sin and making them aware of their need for a Savior.

My parents and I decided to stop at a couple car lots on the way home as we continue the search for a replacement for Barney. I found a few cars that might be "options" - so I'm going to go back up there after work tomorrow and test drive a few vehicles.

When we finally reached home, my parents and I grabbed some lunch and headed towards the TV - anxiously anticipating some relaxation! :)
Ben Hur was on TV... yay! What a touching movie - I simply love it.

One line that really caught my interest was when Judah told Baltazar that he didn't believe in miracles....

Judah: I don't believe in miracles.

Baltazar: You don't believe in miracles? Judah, your whole life is a miracle...

Judah: (silence)
He got the point. because, as Judah himself stated later in the movie: "who lives more than one year in the gallies...?"

At the end when Judah comes home from watching the crucifixion of Jesus, he states these words to Esther:

Judah: He said, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do....

Esther: Even then?

Judah: And I felt his voice take the sword out of my hand....

What beautiful words! His whole life was a miracle (and so is yours, btw). Then his mother and his sister who were once lepers walked through the doorway and he saw them standing there clean. Yet another miracle was given to Judah!

I believe in miracles. My whole life is a miracle. And though I may have bad days from time to time, every moment is a precious gift.
Honestly, I should be dead right now - I've been given second, third, fourth, fifth, six chances and more! But God is great in mercy and grace!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Happy Easter! :)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Some Days I Feel Like This Myself....

Ever have those days when you just wish you could put a bag on your head and call it a day?
I do.


Cat In A Sack @ Yahoo! Video

Friday, April 10, 2009

A Piece of Me Died Today.... :(

He's been a part of my life for 2 years now.... we were so close. We went everywhere together. I loved him, despite all of his faults and problems. I knew the day was going to come, but I hadn't expected it to be so soon.... :(
Barney died.
Born in 1995, my Barney did well for his life. He was given to me by a very nice previous owner - my aunt, to be exact. He was dependable... for awhile. And then, in September of 2007, He had a heart attack. What kept him running failed. Through a long waiting period, $3000, and several operations later, Barney was back to his normal self (almost). Actually, things were never quite the same after that... but I liked to pretend they were.
He never complained.... though sometimes he made funny noises... and it seemed like he was always thirsty.
That fateful day came though.... yesterday.
I could tell something wasn't right - He was moving slower than normal, and his activities seemed very labored. He even smelt kinda funny.
My dad took him to the doctor this morning, and I anxiously awaited the phone call.

**Ringgggggg! Ringggggggg!!**

Me: "Hello?"

Dr.: "Hello. Is this Heather?"

Me: "Yes it is.... any news?"

Dr.: "Well.... yeah, but not good news...."

Me: "Oh no.... alright.... well.... let's hear it....."

Dr.: "It has a bad transmission, bad muffler, bad convertor, and bad struts...."

Me: "oh... wow.... how much?"

Dr.: "A minimum of $2000 to fix everything."

Me: "Heck NO!!"

Needless to say, I am not going to pay to have Barney fixed.... again. Why waste the money? I could put what it would cost to fix him towards a new-er car. But I did have a little bit of an emotional-breakdown when I got off the phone with the "Doctor".
I am going to miss old Barney.... he was a big part of my life. When he died, I can honestly say a little piece of me died as well.
Now the hunt for a new car begins.... where am I going to start?
I guess I will learn a little more about what it truly means to trust in the Lord for ALL my needs.

Pray for me.

(click image for enlargement)

Perhaps NOW, you can understand why we called him "Barney".
He wasn't much... but he was mine. And I loved him.... most days anyways. ;)

Okay.... this dramatic post is going to end now.

Happy Saturday! :)

The Things We Learn In Maturity

.

Someone posted this in response to my friend’s Facebook© status yesterday. I thought it was pretty good.
Read on. . . . . . .

"The things we learn in maturity aren't simple things such as acquiring information and skills.
We learn not to engage in self destructive behavior.
We learn not to burn up energy in anxiety.
We discover how to manage our tensions.
We learn that self-pity and resentment are among the most toxic of drugs.
We find that the world loves talent but pays off on character.
We come to understand that most people are not for us nor against us; they are simply thinking about themselves.
We learn that no matter how hard we try to please, some people in this world are not going to love us – a lesson that is at first worrisome and then really quite relaxing."

~anonymous

Thursday, April 9, 2009

"I Was The Nail"

(Click image for enlargement)
© Heather Vires "Design" 2006, all rights reserved.

Drawing Nigh

James 4: 8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Draw me close to You.
Never let me go.
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend.

You are my desire.
No one else will do.
'Cause nothing else could take Your place,
To feel the warmth of Your embrace—
Help me find the way.
Bring me back to You.

You're all I want.
You're all I've ever needed.
You're all I want.
Help me know You are near.


I’m brought nigh by the blood of the Lamb. And I will never leave. For as Peter said long ago: Where else would I go? There’s no one else....
John 6:67, 68 – “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

I’m so thankful for the Blood.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Ooooo, Girl.... You Be Stylin'...!!

So.... Here it is.... what I referred to in an earlier post as "the plunge". And literally, that's what it was.

I began to chicken out as Stacy (my stylist) and I began to discuss what I was "planning" to do.... But the thought of actually cutting my hair... I'm pretty sure... was starting to kill me.

That's when Stacy grabbed me, told me how much I'd love the cut, threw me in the chair, put my hair in a low pony tail..... anddddd..... CHOP!

Me: *GASP!*
>
>
>
(((silence)))
>
>
>
Me (again): "I guess it's a bit late to turn back now....." :)

(Click picture for enlargement)

She's right, I L.O.V.E. it!
.....and there's lots of blonde, too... which I also love! ♥

I had 13" of my hair cut off.... *I weep....*
But, on the upside, I am donating it to Locks of Love! I am excited to be helping out someone who's in need!

Actually, I am planning on making a trip back to the salon (no, not to get extensions put in ;P) because I want it cut just a little shorter. It's at the length right now that when it touches my collar it starts to flip out the wrong way - despite how much hairspray I use...! ;D

City of Refuge

If this doesn’t bless you, I don’t know what will. . . . !

Numbers 35:6, 11-15, 25-28, 32
[6]
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.
[11] Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
[12] And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
[13] And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.
[14] Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
[15] These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
[25] And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
[26] But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;
[27] And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
[28] Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
[32] And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Isn’t this a beautiful portion of Scripture? One might think: “But they’re guilty.... they deserve to be punished…. So what’s up with this “refuge” thing.... it’s like a free “out” from facing the music.”
I have three words for you: We’re. All. Guilty.

We all know what the 10 Commandments are: Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not covet, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, etc and etc.
But the Bible also says that if you “hate” someone, you’ve committed murder in your heart. If you lust after someone and think sexual or perverted thoughts about someone, you’ve committed adultery (or fornication, if you’re not married).
I am so glad that I have a “City of Refuge” I can run to: the cross.

The other beautiful part of this story is (as the Bible says in verses 28 and 32): “And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.” Meaning, the guilty one is safe from judgment until the death of the high priest. A High Priest was the one who would make the sacrifices to appease the wrath of God towards sin until finally…. One day…. Jesus was born of a virgin... lived a perfect life (fully man, yet fully God – Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:9)... fulfilled all the prophecies... died on the cross for your sins and mine becoming that perfect sacrifice that would forever settle the sin-debt if we by faith accept His as our Savior... and victoriously arose from the dead 3 days later conquering death and the grave! Jesus is my Great High Priest, and He’s ever interceding for us on the right hand of the Father! Oh, and by the way, my High Priest will never die... I'm safe forever!

The Bible says:
Romans 8:34
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."
I Timothy 2:5
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"

One day I ran to the City of Refuge—
Though guilty I was,
I found shelter in the blood He shed for me!
I was condemned, but God – He showed mercy!
And on Calvary God built City of Refuge for me!


Thank you, Jesus!


More Bible verses about the “refuge”:
Deuteronomy 33:27
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."

II Samuel 22:3
"The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."

Psalm 9:9
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Psalm 46:1, 7

[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
[7] The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 62:7, 8
[7] In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
[8] Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 57:1
"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."

Psalm 91:2, 9
[2]
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
[9] Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

Psalm 94:22
"But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge."

Hebrews 6:18
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:"

Monday, April 6, 2009

Package Deal....?


The conversation I had with a friend at lunch today. . . . .

Friend: So you were adopted, right?

Me: I sure was!

Friend: Have you ever met your "real" parents"?

Me: I've met my biological mother, but not my biological father.... I don't know if I'll ever try to find him or not....

Friend: And your brother was adopted too, right?

Me: Yes, he was too.

Friend: So... were you two like.... a package deal?

:)
Happy Monday. . . . !

Taking the Plunge!!

I have been thinking about cutting my hair..... extremely short.... for a while now.....
AND....
I have an appointment tomorrow at the salon I have gone to ever since I was a little girl: Classic Design Hair Studio.

My hair stylist is Stacy, and I love how she can always do exactly what I want done to my hair... She is wonderful!

I have decided to finally chop my hair off.... again, extremely short.... compared to what it is now. My hair is probably about 6 inches or so from touching my butt (when I stand up straight). By the time my appointment is over with tomorrow my hair won't even be touching my shoulders!

I went onto the Mary Kay's website and played around with the "virtual makeover" that is featured there and was able to get a picture of the basic gist of what I will look like when it's all "said and done". Please give me your opinions.... but be gentle! haha! I have a feeling a may cry when I look into the mirror for the first time with short hair! :'( <-----You think I'm kidding?! ;)


Currently my hair is a dark, dark brown color (practically my natural color - maybe slightly darker). But, depending on the cost, I may get blonde highlights to go along with my new dramatic look. I like my hair to be darker in the winter (sort of a "warmer" look) and lighter in the summer (a bright, "crisp" look, if you will).

Hopefully everything will work out and I will love it! ♥
BUT.... If worse comes to worse I suppose I can always get extensions put in! ;)
kidding.... just kidding....! ;P

Saturday, April 4, 2009

A Bobble-Head + Some Tears = Revival

As I was driving this afternoon to my friend's wedding shower I was listening to The Crabb Family sing "Nothing But The Blood of Jesus" - singing along with them with everything that was in me! Anyone watching me probably thought I was in great amounts of pain, but I was rather enjoying myself! ;)

The traffic light was red.

There was a lady behind me driving a silver-ish-tan PT Cruiser and she was playing her "air violen" to whatever music she was listening to. Occasionally she would tap her steering wheel as if she was playing the drums. I though it was just so cute!

The light turned green. I began to drive.

Still driving behind me, I noticed she began to use sign language and (thanks to the deaf ministry of my church) I could recognize a few of the words she was signing. She was singing about Jesus!

The next light turned red.

I recognized the words "God", "Free", "Saved", "Blood", "Savior", and a few others. I was never more thankful for red lights in all my life! As I strained to better see the little revival that was going on in the vehicle behind me, I saw a bobble-head Jesus on her dashboard!

The light turned green. I began to drive again.

I continued to watch the lady sign while she sang her praises to the Lord. What a blessing! I was so encouraged.

The next light turned red.

The lady had stopped signing. She began to wipe tears away from her eyes. I almost started to cry. I was touched by this lady's obvious love for her Savior! She was not ashamed to be public about it! I was so thankful to see that there are still people in the world that are bold about their faith.

She turned right at the next corner while I continued on the road I was presently on. I could no longer see her revive herself in the Lord -- BUT I continued with my own mini-revival in my car.

"Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow!
No other fount I know! NOTHING but the blood of Jesus!"

Friday, April 3, 2009

A Violation?

"The mention of intelligent design in public schools violates the Establishment Clause in the Bill of Rights."

This is enough to make me sick to my stomach. I literally shook my head and had to chuckle at how far mankind has seemed to progress in their stupidity and willful ignorance. Are we really this desperate to believe a lie? The above statement was found at http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/exhibits/scopes/index.htm. If you need a few laughs, or maybe a renewed burden to openly share the truth of your faith in Jesus, I suggest you click that link and read a little bit.

I know most of my posts lately have had alot to do with Science, but I'm currently in the middle of this Environmental Science class and that's where my main focus is right now (see my post entitled: When I Don't Even Care.... for more details). At first I wasn't really enjoying this class at all.... BUT now that I've actually opened my mind and have decided to make the best of it - I have had SO MANY opportunities to share my faith! It's really so exciting! :)

God knows what He's doing! I'm so glad I know my Creator and have a personal relationship with Him! I hope you can say the same thing for yourself.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

God Spoke, and *BANG* It Happened!

A co-worker always poses this question (as sort of a light-hearted, yet still serious question): "If time wasn't created by God untill the forth day, then how long was a day prior to 'Day 4'?!"

How Long Is A Day?

There is a theory that says each of God's days in Genesis were actually millions of years for us. Is this true? Maybe we need to ask what does the word "day" mean in Genesis?

The Hebrew word "yom" is translated as day in Genesis. Just as our word "day" can have different meanings based on its context, so can the word "yom". For example, in the Old Testament "yom" is translated to mean a 24 hour day 1109 times. It means a long, long period of time--such as an age--about nine times.

However, every time the word "yom" is used with the term evening or morning in the Bible, it means a regular 24 hour day.
Every time the word "yom" is used with a number, such as "40 yom" (40 days), it means a regular 24 hour day.

What we now see is that in Genesis chapter one God is going out of His way to emphasize that each day is a normal 24 hour day. For example in verse five He says:
"And there was evening and there was morning, one day."

Verse 8: "And there was evening and there was morning, a second day."

Verse 13: "There was evening and there was morning, a third day."

For each day of creation the pattern is the same: evening, morning, number, day. Just part of that pattern, for example using the words "evening" and "day" together, tell us it was a 24 hour day. But God tells us in three ways -- evening, morning, number -- that the word day means... an ordinary 24 hour day.

God is making it very clear: He created everything in six ordinary days.

-------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: On the first day God created the Earth, which at the time would have been a giant ball of water, and He divided light from darkness. The supernatural light would not be talked about in science textbooks.

Day 2: On day two God separated the water from the air. In most textbooks, the origins of oxygen would not predate land.

Day 3: On the third day God created the land and plants.

Day 4: On the fourth day God created the stars and the sun. The Earth predating the sun and stars by three days is considered a heresy among secular scientists.

Day 5: On day five fish and birds were created. The birds coming before land animals contradict macro-evolutionary models.

Day 6: On the sixth day of creation, land animals and man were created. At this time there was no death on the Earth, and God proclaimed it was good. The six days of creation contradicts the Darwinian model, which claims death predates man.

Day 7: God "rested".


On the sixth day of creation, land animals and man were created. At this time there was no death on the Earth, and God proclaimed it was good. The six days of creation contradicts the Darwinian model, which claims death predates man.

The Hebrews used the word, “day” to mean time period. Proof: Genesis 2:4. In the day (singular) God created the Heavens and the Earth. “Morning” meant “beginning” and evening meant ending. Same word for both. And land and Earth were both the same word. The Black Sea Flood (Noah’s Flood) covered the entire land.

Moses used words poetically as do modern scientists. There really was no Big Bang. Sound does not travel in the vacuum of space. There was only a completely silent, sudden expansion of matter. There would however have been a sudden flash of light. “And God said let there be light and there was light.” It is perfectly ok to call it a Big Bang (God spoke and BANG! It happened!). But realize you are using poetry.

Did God create the Sun, stars and Moon after the plants? Of course not. It says He created the LIGHTS IN THE SKY after the plants. Either/or the Earth’s atmosphere was too thick to let Sun and star light reach it, and/or the Sun and stars had not condensed enough for fusion to make light, just heat. Both Jupiter and Saturn give off their own heat, but not light. They are almost proto-stars but a little too small to get lit up.
Amazingly it IS possible God made plants before light hit the Earth. Scientists (being poetic like Moses) have discovered a “Rose Garden” at the bottom of the sea! It is an entirely different kind of eco-system where the plants and animals get their energy from volcanic heat vents, not sunlight. No photosynthesis goes on. It is too dark down there. Earth’s first eco-systems may very well have been like those.

But did God make man before the plants (Gen 2:7) or after the plants as in the 1st chapter of Gen? Don’t worry. Moses was no fool. He could see the conflict. The whole point of both chapters and the contradiction is, the only important thing is, GOD DID IT! So do not worry about modern scientists coming up with still more creation theories, or filling in the details on the old ones. God is not harmed by that, and neither should be your faith.

The 2nd chapter contains much deep symbolic truth. The best commentary I ever saw on it was not by a believer but by Carl Sagan in his book, “Dragons of Eden.” It is a shame this man never found God, for as he said, “I do not want to believe God exists. I want to KNOW God exists.” If he had studied the strong, weak and modified weak anthropic principles, he would have known God exists. If he had taken a leap of faith and asked Christ into his operating system to save and debug it, he would have KNOWN from the gentle and loving Presence within him, that Christ is that God.

Are You Brave Enough to Try an Experiment?

Creation vs. Evolution (Part 1)

Creation vs. Evolution - A Question of Origins
The creation vs. evolution debate is a question of origins. How did we get here? Were we created or did we evolve randomly? Are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents? Does it even matter?

Creation vs. Evolution - Reason vs. Religion
The popular media often portrays the creation vs. evolution debate as science vs. religion, with creation being religious and evolution being scientific. Unfortunately, if you don't agree with this label, you too are labeled. Regardless of whether you're a creationist or an evolutionist, if you disagree with the stereotype, you're condemned and "exposed" as a religious fanatic who is secretly trying to pass religion off as science or, even worse, trying to disprove science in order to redeem a ridiculous, unscientific, religious worldview. The fact is neither model of origins has been established beyond a reasonable doubt (otherwise, the theory of evolution wouldn't be called the "theory" of evolution). Whether we like to admit it or not, those of us who subscribe to the theory of evolution do so by faith. And while the recognition of design in biology may have theological implications, it is not based upon religious premise - it's based upon empirical observation and logic.

Creation vs. Evolution - Why Does It Matter?
Why do we even squabble over creation vs. evolution? Does it really matter what we believe about where we came from? Absolutely. Our views on morality, justice, purpose, self-worth, humanity, obligation, and destination are all closely tied to our views on human origins. For example, without affirming or denying the veracity of evolution theory, let's take a moment to consider what the theory of evolution teaches about human origins and what impact this teaching has had upon human behavioral patterns.

Evolution teaches that as species evolve they eventually reach ideal population levels. As species advance, superior species eliminate inferior species -- "survival of the fittest." Weak and inferior members of a species should be eliminated for the preservation of superior bloodlines and for the conservation of essential resources. "Nature" doesn't desire "the mating of weaker with stronger individuals, even less does she desire the blending of a higher with a lower race, since if she did, her whole work of higher breeding, over perhaps hundreds of thousands of years, might be ruined with one blow." "Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows." And as humans are merely a species of animal, we have no intrinsic value and are therefore by no means exempt from "the war of nature." Thus, we have Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) asking the rhetorical question, "should I not also have the right to eliminate millions of an inferior race that multiplies like vermin?" Hitler, of course, is remembered for murdering more than 6,000,000 individual human beings, all of whom he deemed to be inferior members of the species. Was Hitler wrong? Did he misinterpret and misrepresent the theory he claimed to cherish so much? Apparently not. Renowned British evolutionary anthropologist and anatomist Sir Arthur Keith (1866-1955), who was knighted in 1921, came to Hitler's defense, "Hitler is an uncompromising evolutionist, and we must seek for an evolutionary explanation if we are to understand his actions" Keith reassured us, "The German Führer, as I have consistently maintained, is an evolutionist; he has consciously sought to make the practice of Germany conform to the theory of evolution." Joseph Stalin (1879-1953), another ardent evolutionist, surpassed even Hitler in zeal, murdering at least ten times as many "inferiors" (estimates range from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000 people). Was Stalin wrong? What about Pol Pot? Well, not if you subscribe to the evolutionary worldview. In fact, to the philosophically consistent, uncompromised evolutionist, Hitler and Stalin ought to be considered role models.

And so we see how a worldview can impact human behavior. Here, we see murder, a most disapproved human behavior, not only condoned, but encouraged. So, does it matter what we believe about where we came from? Absolutely. However, even more important than what we believe to be true is what actually is true. Someone might not believe in gravity, for example. Nevertheless, if that person were to step off a tall building, that person would splat on the ground below, regardless of what they believed. And so, once again, we have the question: are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents? Don't rely on hearsay. Investigate the evidences for yourself.

Explore More Now!

Creation vs. Evolution (Part 2)

Creation vs. Evolution - A Question of Origins
The creation vs. evolution debate is a question of origins. How did we get here? Were we created or did we evolve randomly? Are we the product of purposeful intelligence or are we merely the end result of countless cosmic accidents? What does the evidence say?

Creation vs. Evolution - What Are We Looking For?
Without hard evidence, the creation vs. evolution debate wouldn't amount to much more than a philosophical grudge match. Everyone has their own opinion. The question is what is the basis for that opinion? You see, people can believe whatever they want, but that doesn't make them right. It's the hard evidence that separates the proverbial wheat from the chaff. Keep in mind that "evidence" is not the same as "proof". Evidence is helpful in forming conclusions, while proof concludes the matter altogether. If we had proof, the theory of evolution wouldn't be called a theory. So what constitutes evidence? What are we looking for?

Creation denotes the existence of a divine Creator who has exercised His creative abilities, creating this world and the life-forms we see. Life is the product of intelligent contrivance. Thus, apparent design in biology would constitute evidence for a Designer. It is a self-evident and universally recognized truth: concept and design require an intelligent designer. So, while recognizing design in biology is not based upon religious premise (but upon empirical observation and logic), it certainly has theological implications. Do we find apparent design in biology? Yes. In fact, apparent design pervades the biologic realm. When we apply the general principles of detecting design to living creatures, we find it reasonable to infer the existence of a Creator.

Evolution stresses the naturalistic (random, undirected) descent of all living creatures from a common ancestor who originally evolved from inorganic matter. Life is the product of random chance. What we need here is a plausible mechanism, feasibility, and a history of functionality. British naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) gave the evolutionary worldview scientific credence by supplying the much needed mechanism - "natural selection". That was 150 years ago. Today, we know that mechanism to be deficient, even in light of genetic mutation. With the tremendous advances we've made in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics over the past fifty years we've been exposed to a whole new dimension in living systems that was previously unknown. Evolutionary biologists are now looking for a new mechanism, one that can overcome genetic constraints and other chemical-oriented barriers that have been identified in recent years. Until this mechanism is found, the theory of evolution (a theory which has enjoyed prominence in biological circles for over 100 years) simply lacks feasibility, and thus, credibility.

Creation vs. Evolution - Reason vs. Religion
The popular media often portrays the creation vs. evolution debate as science vs. religion, with creation being religious and evolution being scientific. In an ironic twist, it's the creationists who have a solid empirical basis for their theory, while the evolutionists are left clinging to their convictions by faith.

Is it reasonable to acknowledge a Creator? When challenged by skeptics to prove the existence of a Creator scientifically, Dr. Wernher von Braun, the "Father of the American Rocket and Space Program," replied, "Must we really light a candle to see the Sun? …The electron is materially inconceivable, and yet it is so perfectly known through its effects that we use it to illuminate our cities, guide our airliners through the night skies and take the most accurate measurements. What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electron as real, while refusing to accept the reality of a Designer on the ground that they cannot conceive of Him? …The inconceivability of some ultimate issue (which always will lie outside scientific resolution) should not be allowed to rule out any theory that explains the interrelationship of observed data and is useful for prediction." To simply dismiss the concept of a Creator as being unscientific is to "violate the very objectivity of science itself." While we may not be able to comprehend knowledge of a Creator, we certainly can apprehend it.

Investigate More Now!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How Blessed Are you?

How wise are you? Are you a fool? How blessed are you? Are you a doubter?
Read on.....

John 20:
[24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
[25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
[27] Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
[29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
[31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

I do not understand how someone can read and study the Bible and still stick to their idea that Jesus Christ is not God. It is SO completely obvious in the Scriptures – Jesus is God! Praise Him for it!

Thomas – he who walked with Jesus, followed Jesus, saw the miracles Jesus performed, the storms Jesus calmed, the bodies Jesus healed, the lives Jesus mended, and was even called by Jesus – doubted, and finally believed when Jesus bid him: “reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side.”


Don’t be a “Doubting Thomas”. And if you still are having a hard time believing, read this – straight from the heart of Almighty God to the inspired penman:

Colossians 1:
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Still doubting? I pray not, but if you are I can only feel great pity for you.
Can the human mind comprehend eternity? Can the human mind understand speaking all creation into existence? Can the human mind begin to fathom the complicated human body? No. we take it all by faith (belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved). We also have to take the diety of Jesus Christ by faith. He IS God. God is one being, yet has three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)! We must take Him at His Word, Believing Who He says He really is!

One more thought for you as I close.........

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

For he that cometh to God must believe that He is!”

And remember: “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Is He your Lord AND your God?

How blessed are you?

When Jesus Comes To Supper

As I was reading my online KJV Bible this morning at work – while I sipped on my Grandé chocolaty, espresso mocha :) – I was reminded of something Daniel Brown said in the message he preached on Sunday night. It was a GREAT message too.... He preached on “What Happens When Jesus Comes To Supper”. As you can probably guess, it was a message on the last supper. I cannot stress how great this message was. The portion of Scripture that was referenced was Matthew 26:19-30.

Daniel said that the first thing that happens when Jesus comes to supper is that a Sinner is rebuked.

[19] And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
[20] Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
[21] And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
[22] And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
[23] And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
[24] The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
[25] Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

You cannot sit in the presence of Almighty God and still sit in your sin. Sin cannot enter into the presence of God because He is too holy (and by the way, Jesus IS God). Judas was the betrayer of Jesus, and Jesus told Him that it would have been better if he had just not been born. Let that be a lesson to you: Jesus doesn’t think too highly of betrayers (backstabbers). In fact, He said in the book of Revelations (which was written by the disciple John – who was present at this Last Supper) that He wants for us to either be hot or cold. If you’re only lukewarm (a fence-straddler) He will spit you out of His mouth (and no, this does not mean that you will lose your Salvation). Coming off of that rabbit trail, if you notice when Jesus stated that there was a betrayer among them, ALL the disciples began to whisper amongst themselves and ask “Is it I?” Obviously, each disciple was reminded of some sort of sin that was present in their life, or why would they be asking if they were the ones that would betray their Master?
Think about it….

The second thing that happens when Jesus comes to supper is that the Savior is revealed.

[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
[27] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
[28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
[29] But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

His blood was shed for the remission of sins! MY sins. YOUR sins. The Drunkard’s sins. The drug-addicts sins. Those of the guilty, the wretched, the torn, the proud, the needy, the hungry, the homeless, the weary, the desperate, the sad, the strong, the rich, and the weak. He died for the sins of EVERYONE! (and on another side-note, there is no such things as the “elect” – the belief that God picks and chooses who He wants and is going to save – Go read John 3:16, AND THEN try to argue the “elects” viewpoint. It can’t be done – Praise God!)

Remember, in the book of Luke, chapter 24, after Jesus had risen from the dead --- He was walking with a few travelers as they journeyed to Emmaus. The travelers didn’t recognize Jesus, and thought He was just any other man. Jesus had a little fun with the situation. He played ignorant at first to the things they were discussing, but later….. LATER, He revealed who He really was! Here’s the entire passage of Scripture containing the account of this story:

[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
[14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
[15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
[16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
[17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
[18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?
[19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
[20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
[22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
[23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
[24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
[27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
[28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
[29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
[30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
[31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
[32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
[33]
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
[34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
[35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

There’s a reason why a bolded verses 30 – 32.... Notice, Jesus revealed Himself while they sat down to eat. And their eyes were opened: “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
Oh, that our hearts would burn within us when we read the Word of God! First though, there must be a surrendering of the spirit and will. And that is often so hard to do. If you really look back in your life, how many times did you desperately long for God to meet with you, to speak to you, to show Himself real to you when there wasn’t a problem in your life or some heartbreaking situation you were facing? If you’re anything like me, you’d realize the sad answer: not many. We’re too comfortable. We’ve become too complacent.

The third thing that happens when Jesus comes to supper is that a Song is resounded!

[30] And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

It says that THEY sang a hymn. How beautiful is it that Jesus sang along with His disciples! Jesus knew that within just a few short hours He would be arrested, mocked, scorned, beaten, humiliated, denied, rejected, heartbroken, and hung upon a cross.... for the ones He was singing with! How precious the thought! I wonder what song they sang. Perhaps one of the Psalms King David had written long ago (“Psalm” means “Song”). Maybe even Psalms 23.

It’s a beautiful story. Beautiful. Words cannot do it justice.

For a more detailed account of this story, read your Bible.
-or- see my post entitled: I Love You, I Love You Not
I am Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! I am intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. I have a good head on my shoulders, and oftentimes find myself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. I take great pleasure in many things. I am proficient in nearly all of them, though I will never own it. Lest I seem too perfect, I have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves me very ill indeed.

I am Elizabeth Bennet!