I was speaking with an old friend this past week whom I hadn't seen in years. She is really an amazing woman. She asked me how someone in my family was doing, and I did not know how to answer without the situation going to complete awkward in zero to sixty real quick! This old friend saw my struggle and perceiving the amount of people I hadn't seen in years, advised me to say to the guests when they asked that my loved one was "working on the testimony of their life." I loved that saying. I really did. It spoke to my heart. Because the Word of God is so powerful to me and I have to trust in it's promises. If my loved one has been raised in the knowledge of the Lord, then when they are grown the Word of the Lord will not depart from their mouth. I felt my spirit lifted back from awkward to peace instantly!
However, my excitement did not end there!!! My friend went on to have me sit with her and proceded to talk to me about one of my children, who is a practicing prodigal on her way back home - Working on her testimony! She told me that there is no need to worry about my loved ones. My friend told me that I had to give them over to God and to stand on His promises. Then God, through her, showed me a promise straight from His best selling book.
It is found in Jeremiah verse thirty-one and verses sixteen and seventeen:
"But now this is what the Lord says:
'Do not weep any longer,
for I will reward you,' says the Lord.
'Your children will come back to you
from the distant land of the enemy.
There is hope for your future,' says the Lord.
'Your children will come again to their own land.'
You see, God's word never changes. Have you ever read a book as a child and when you went to reread it as an adult you found that some of the instances were changed or modified? Maybe some passages were removed or edited out of the newer version of the book? Well, that has happened to me to a bunch of books. The author does that to make the book more accomidating to the present time period. Well, let me tell you something. God's Word does not change. It is the same today, yesterday, and forever! He cannot change nor will His Word ever.
I was so blessed to hear that scripture that my friend shared with me and I have been rereading it in many different versions and applying it to my heart. I want it laminated for the refrigerator. I know my kids will be with me in paradise one day. I know my whole family will be in the throne room worshipping the Father with me. I know my family will reunite altogether one day and dance before the Lord in worship.
Why do I know this? Because the Lord is telling me through His Word! This is so awesome that I just had to share it with you. I thank the Lord and give Him all the glory! He is the master of my life and I would be nothing without Him. I am far from a perfect creature so I can't even -nor do I want to - imagine what my life would be like without Him in it!
Thank You, Lord for giving me my life and for honoring Your Word. I know the doctors were concerned, but I applied Your Word over me and now I am healthy! I know that when kids or siblings wander through the world, they will come Home because Your word says they will return from the enemy's camp! Thank You, Lord! To You be all honor and glory forever!
Love and bless you!
Gina
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Seeing the Move of God Coming!
God is on the move! Many have worried about his existence, but they have not stopped to look around and see what is going on here on earth nor have they studied the scriptures. If they had, they would know that He is on the move and that He exists and that His Word is coming to life. So many signs and so many wonders are here.
According to the 2nd chapter of Joel, “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions!"
Okay, I have been seeing this happen a lot lately. Even my own daughter has had some of these things happen to her.
This weekend I got the opportunity to watch the children of a friend so they could go work and help at a youth camp. Their children were so well mannered and well behaved. I could not believe it. I normally am the last person who volunteers to take children for a weekend. No one even asks me if they could leave their children with me. I love kids, don't get me wrong, but for a couple of hours. Or just having a couple spend the night with their parents home so I could send them home if need be. And NEVER do I take in boys. I have all girls and just don't know what to do with the boys.
However, this weekend, it was almost supernatural how smoothe things went. The boy was so amazing. I almost wished I hadn't had a tubal ligation because I wanted a boy like him. Almost! The girls all got a long just fine. It was truly amazing.
Their parents in the mean time were ministering to youth for the first time, and God was really moving where they were. They all got in tune with God and God moved mountains for them. Awesome.
What does this have to do with the end times I am talking about? It is about the move of God. Where as God worked miracles at this camp, God also worked miracles in my home as well. We made some mistakes this week. My husband, myself, and my kids. We said some ungodly things to one another. I even stopped and said to myself, "This doesn't sound right at all. This is not in our nature. The enemy is at work here trying to destroy something." All I did was cry out to God in my heart.
Then, on Sunday, when Ruben gave communion (la Santa Cena), I knew that in order to take the communion I had to repent for my part. 1 Corinthians 11:24-28 says, "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
Okay, so since I'm not sure what "unworthy" describes in detail, I examined myself and didn't want to deal with the repercussions in case my sin -although repented was still unconfessed to Ruben, my pastor and my covering. And of course the sin was against him. So I confessed and then popped the bread in my mouth. Ruben laughed (thank God he is a laid back person), but I really felt guilty. Then everyone apologized for their wrong doings. That just does not happen a lot here. The kids yes, the adults? No. (I think we are growing).
Again, what does this have to do with the beginning of this bog? I would have confessed to God in the past and taken the communion, or "accidentally" be in the bathroom when communion was served. But I have this deep need/desire to serve God right and to do things the right way right now because I can see the people around me. I can see children prophesying. I can see young having visions and I do not consider myself old, but I am having dreams.
There are wars and rumors of ward, there are earth quakes getting stronger and more frequent. there are famines throughout the world still (the news doesn't report it but I found out recently there are still famines real bad in some countries in Africa), and there is so much pestilence (contagious diseases) out there. These are physical signs. God says these are just the beginning of sorrows in Matthew chapter four.
Then Jesus goes on to say that people will turn on each other, and that love will grow cold. This is happening so much now. This earth is not the same as it was even when I was a child. Funny, my mom used to tell me how horrible the earth was compared to when she was a child. It seems to be getting worse with each generation.
In Luke 17:26, we read about how it will be as in the days of Noah. I am not sure if anyone has stopped to look around, but when homosexuality becomes such an integral part of society that even the church is divided on it's stance, I am pretty sure we are definitely getting close to the days of Noah if we are not already there. Everyone is starting to do what is right in their own minds.
Is there a need to fear? No, and if you do, read 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." Or read 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Worrying is not of God, and Peter says in one of his epistles that we can cast all our cares upon Him. God will take our fears. Those of us who fear the end times, we need to cast those worries on Him. He will take us through and give us strength. You don't believe me? Just read the Bible. It's full of God's promises! You don't believe the Bible? Well, look around because it was written 2000+ years ago and it is coming true now - in your life time, and in my life time.
We were especially chosen by God to be here during this time period. Isn't that amazing? God chose us for here and now. So what are you going to do with your lot? Are you going to join this move of God? Are you going to sit by and watch it pass and hope nothing bad falls upon you? Will you be watchful? Will you pray?
I say, I want to be in the kingdom of God and up in the front row of the throne room praising my Lord. Am I perfect? No. Do I sin. Yes. Am I sorry I am not perfect? You betcha. Perfect people annoy me because I cannot seem to be as good as them. But at the end of the day, I know they struggle with something. Everyone does. I keep telling myself that. No I may not be perfect, and I might struggle with sin. But I know God is my deliverer and will relieve me of my torment or my sins and will make me whole.
I look forward to that day and I know He is my strength and my rock and my comforter. He is there when I need Him. By looking around at everything going on around us in this world, I know His time is at hand.
Be watchful, my friends. Be watchful in all things. For that great day of the Lord is soon at hand. Mark my words. I pray all of you are up there with us in heaven when the time comes. God bless!
According to the 2nd chapter of Joel, “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions!"
Okay, I have been seeing this happen a lot lately. Even my own daughter has had some of these things happen to her.
This weekend I got the opportunity to watch the children of a friend so they could go work and help at a youth camp. Their children were so well mannered and well behaved. I could not believe it. I normally am the last person who volunteers to take children for a weekend. No one even asks me if they could leave their children with me. I love kids, don't get me wrong, but for a couple of hours. Or just having a couple spend the night with their parents home so I could send them home if need be. And NEVER do I take in boys. I have all girls and just don't know what to do with the boys.
However, this weekend, it was almost supernatural how smoothe things went. The boy was so amazing. I almost wished I hadn't had a tubal ligation because I wanted a boy like him. Almost! The girls all got a long just fine. It was truly amazing.
Their parents in the mean time were ministering to youth for the first time, and God was really moving where they were. They all got in tune with God and God moved mountains for them. Awesome.
What does this have to do with the end times I am talking about? It is about the move of God. Where as God worked miracles at this camp, God also worked miracles in my home as well. We made some mistakes this week. My husband, myself, and my kids. We said some ungodly things to one another. I even stopped and said to myself, "This doesn't sound right at all. This is not in our nature. The enemy is at work here trying to destroy something." All I did was cry out to God in my heart.
Then, on Sunday, when Ruben gave communion (la Santa Cena), I knew that in order to take the communion I had to repent for my part. 1 Corinthians 11:24-28 says, "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup."
Okay, so since I'm not sure what "unworthy" describes in detail, I examined myself and didn't want to deal with the repercussions in case my sin -although repented was still unconfessed to Ruben, my pastor and my covering. And of course the sin was against him. So I confessed and then popped the bread in my mouth. Ruben laughed (thank God he is a laid back person), but I really felt guilty. Then everyone apologized for their wrong doings. That just does not happen a lot here. The kids yes, the adults? No. (I think we are growing).
Again, what does this have to do with the beginning of this bog? I would have confessed to God in the past and taken the communion, or "accidentally" be in the bathroom when communion was served. But I have this deep need/desire to serve God right and to do things the right way right now because I can see the people around me. I can see children prophesying. I can see young having visions and I do not consider myself old, but I am having dreams.
There are wars and rumors of ward, there are earth quakes getting stronger and more frequent. there are famines throughout the world still (the news doesn't report it but I found out recently there are still famines real bad in some countries in Africa), and there is so much pestilence (contagious diseases) out there. These are physical signs. God says these are just the beginning of sorrows in Matthew chapter four.
Then Jesus goes on to say that people will turn on each other, and that love will grow cold. This is happening so much now. This earth is not the same as it was even when I was a child. Funny, my mom used to tell me how horrible the earth was compared to when she was a child. It seems to be getting worse with each generation.
In Luke 17:26, we read about how it will be as in the days of Noah. I am not sure if anyone has stopped to look around, but when homosexuality becomes such an integral part of society that even the church is divided on it's stance, I am pretty sure we are definitely getting close to the days of Noah if we are not already there. Everyone is starting to do what is right in their own minds.
Is there a need to fear? No, and if you do, read 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." Or read 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Worrying is not of God, and Peter says in one of his epistles that we can cast all our cares upon Him. God will take our fears. Those of us who fear the end times, we need to cast those worries on Him. He will take us through and give us strength. You don't believe me? Just read the Bible. It's full of God's promises! You don't believe the Bible? Well, look around because it was written 2000+ years ago and it is coming true now - in your life time, and in my life time.
We were especially chosen by God to be here during this time period. Isn't that amazing? God chose us for here and now. So what are you going to do with your lot? Are you going to join this move of God? Are you going to sit by and watch it pass and hope nothing bad falls upon you? Will you be watchful? Will you pray?
I say, I want to be in the kingdom of God and up in the front row of the throne room praising my Lord. Am I perfect? No. Do I sin. Yes. Am I sorry I am not perfect? You betcha. Perfect people annoy me because I cannot seem to be as good as them. But at the end of the day, I know they struggle with something. Everyone does. I keep telling myself that. No I may not be perfect, and I might struggle with sin. But I know God is my deliverer and will relieve me of my torment or my sins and will make me whole.
I look forward to that day and I know He is my strength and my rock and my comforter. He is there when I need Him. By looking around at everything going on around us in this world, I know His time is at hand.
Be watchful, my friends. Be watchful in all things. For that great day of the Lord is soon at hand. Mark my words. I pray all of you are up there with us in heaven when the time comes. God bless!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Pains from Junk Food
Ugh, sometimes I can be really stupid. I know I am smart, but sometimes I just make stupid errors. For instance, today I ate food I know is off limits. I did the same thing yesterday and possibly the day before. I don't know if my sugar is up or what, but I'm up and it is almost midnight. This is late for me.
I am so tired but sleep evades me. I've spoken all the scripture over myself, yet sleep evades me. Was the chips/dip worth it? NO! Was the cookie muffins worth it? NO! Was the fancy jelly filled cookies worth it? NO! So I admit I ate things yesterday and today that are deplorable, but now what do I do? How do I fix it so I can sleep? I know the sugars went straight into my bloodstream, so i guess I am going to have to wait it out.
I know it sounds silly that eating a little bit of junk food throws my guilt over the top, but I have been told to lose weight, and I have been given a new way of life to eat. I am finally getting control and starting to lose weight through diet and exercise, but I was such an extreme. I gained 35 lbs in the last two years. Fourteen since January.
My health has been on a downward spiral and God is giving me a second chance. Failure is NOT an option!!! I refuse to die while my children are young due to obesity related illness. I refuse to die by illness and I refuse to be overcome by any infirmity, mental illness, or anything that is not of God! I simply refuse! - anyway, done with my side tangent.
I have asked God for forgiveness, and I know He forgives, but I guess the consequences are still there. Why oh why did I give into temptation? Because my flesh is weak. I guess I wasn't fighting with my armor on today. I know my battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places, according to Ephesians 6:12.
However, I also know that Luke tells us that He has given us power to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt me.
So what happened today? I sinned. I knew I wasn't supposed to eat those foods and I did. Yesterday, too. I could have take authority over the temptation and I could have taken the power, given by God, and not have eaten it. But I chose instead to lay my armor down and eat. I feel like Esau giving up his birthright but instead I'm giving up sleep. I know it is no where near the same, but it is almost midnight, don't judge.
Sometimes we think sin - even just a little sin- won't really hurt us and it is okay to "Cheat" or divulge once in a while. But it really isn't. The Bible never says to sin sometimes. The Bible, in Leviticus, calls us to be holy as He is holy. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians, and we need to treat them as such.
I know I would not go into the temple and offer up garbage to God. So why do I fill myself with garbage? Because my flesh likes garbage. Obviously, my temple doesn't. I am paying for it now like crazy. Well, I am now asking God to make me not like junk food. I do not want to occasionally splurge because when I do that, I lose my self-control.
The same happens with sin. If we struggle with a certain sin, then we are not able to go back and "cheat" every once in awhile. Where is our self-control? It is a fruit of the Spirit. If we want to honor God all the time, then we must step into the position and keep our armor on at all times. We can't pick and choose which part of the Bible we want to obey and which part we want to toss by the way side. I must honor God with our bodies at all times.
I must be on the lookout at all times. Because the Bible does say in Luke that we need to be watchful for we do not know when the time comes (for His coming). And honestly, I have enough sin blotted out in the rather large book. I need to have some good things in there, as well. I know I am not worthy of His forgiveness and I have screwed up so much that I don't know why God still gives me chances. But I do know this, I want to serve Him. I want to know Him, and I want to be just like Him.
Forgive me, Lord for being irresponsible the last couple of days and for dishonoring the temple. I feel like the whip is coming to clean out the temple. Please Lord, have mercy on me. I do long to be like You and I'm sorry for letting just a little sin come in because I know in my case it doesn't end up being a one time thing. I thank You for Your saving grace and for Your mercy. Guide me in all things and grant me wisdom and understanding. I love You, Lord. To You be all glory and honor. Amen.
I am so tired but sleep evades me. I've spoken all the scripture over myself, yet sleep evades me. Was the chips/dip worth it? NO! Was the cookie muffins worth it? NO! Was the fancy jelly filled cookies worth it? NO! So I admit I ate things yesterday and today that are deplorable, but now what do I do? How do I fix it so I can sleep? I know the sugars went straight into my bloodstream, so i guess I am going to have to wait it out.
I know it sounds silly that eating a little bit of junk food throws my guilt over the top, but I have been told to lose weight, and I have been given a new way of life to eat. I am finally getting control and starting to lose weight through diet and exercise, but I was such an extreme. I gained 35 lbs in the last two years. Fourteen since January.
My health has been on a downward spiral and God is giving me a second chance. Failure is NOT an option!!! I refuse to die while my children are young due to obesity related illness. I refuse to die by illness and I refuse to be overcome by any infirmity, mental illness, or anything that is not of God! I simply refuse! - anyway, done with my side tangent.
I have asked God for forgiveness, and I know He forgives, but I guess the consequences are still there. Why oh why did I give into temptation? Because my flesh is weak. I guess I wasn't fighting with my armor on today. I know my battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places, according to Ephesians 6:12.
However, I also know that Luke tells us that He has given us power to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt me.
So what happened today? I sinned. I knew I wasn't supposed to eat those foods and I did. Yesterday, too. I could have take authority over the temptation and I could have taken the power, given by God, and not have eaten it. But I chose instead to lay my armor down and eat. I feel like Esau giving up his birthright but instead I'm giving up sleep. I know it is no where near the same, but it is almost midnight, don't judge.
Sometimes we think sin - even just a little sin- won't really hurt us and it is okay to "Cheat" or divulge once in a while. But it really isn't. The Bible never says to sin sometimes. The Bible, in Leviticus, calls us to be holy as He is holy. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians, and we need to treat them as such.
I know I would not go into the temple and offer up garbage to God. So why do I fill myself with garbage? Because my flesh likes garbage. Obviously, my temple doesn't. I am paying for it now like crazy. Well, I am now asking God to make me not like junk food. I do not want to occasionally splurge because when I do that, I lose my self-control.
The same happens with sin. If we struggle with a certain sin, then we are not able to go back and "cheat" every once in awhile. Where is our self-control? It is a fruit of the Spirit. If we want to honor God all the time, then we must step into the position and keep our armor on at all times. We can't pick and choose which part of the Bible we want to obey and which part we want to toss by the way side. I must honor God with our bodies at all times.
I must be on the lookout at all times. Because the Bible does say in Luke that we need to be watchful for we do not know when the time comes (for His coming). And honestly, I have enough sin blotted out in the rather large book. I need to have some good things in there, as well. I know I am not worthy of His forgiveness and I have screwed up so much that I don't know why God still gives me chances. But I do know this, I want to serve Him. I want to know Him, and I want to be just like Him.
Forgive me, Lord for being irresponsible the last couple of days and for dishonoring the temple. I feel like the whip is coming to clean out the temple. Please Lord, have mercy on me. I do long to be like You and I'm sorry for letting just a little sin come in because I know in my case it doesn't end up being a one time thing. I thank You for Your saving grace and for Your mercy. Guide me in all things and grant me wisdom and understanding. I love You, Lord. To You be all glory and honor. Amen.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Just Some Olympic Thoughts
"Gina you're going to break the t.v., stop!" as I continued to do cartwheels and roundoffs all over the tiny living room. We lived in a 925 square foot three bedroom home, so room was scarce. But I didn't care. I had just seen Mary Lou Retton win the gold medal and Ecaterina Szabo take silver. I was in heaven! This was the 1984 Olympics and Mary Lou could do things that were unimaginable - back then.
I was always a fan of the Olympics. As a child, the olympics reigned in our house - at least with me. I looked forward to it every four years. I was going to amount to something like one of those gymnasts! I was so obsessed. I even went in my front yard and practiced and practiced and practiced. For one who had no training in a gym with a coach, I did really well. I was really hoping Bela and Marta would accidentally be driving down the street and see me and pick me to go to Texas to train. Of course, that obviously did not happen. I was so let down. Well, if nothing else I did have an imagination.
Fast forward to now? The olympics still are the only show on the television during those two weeks. My husband, a former swimmer, is as into the games as I am. However, now each of us has a favorite sport and we focus on those. Even though the Olympics are on, most of the time I venture through the house getting other work done. Anyone who knows us, in this home, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Diving are the favorite sports. And this year's Olympics did not disappoint.
The underdog at the beginning, Gabby Douglas, was such a powerhouse the first week. She was performing and performing, showing everyone what she was made of. If she hadn't taken first in the trials, she probably wouldn't have been there because she was not a favorite. They said she "broke under pressure"? Really? She didn't that first week. The other amazing thing was how she gave God the glory and truly lived her testimony out. No matter what happened she had the best attitude and smile.
Even during week 2 when she was exhausted from all the gymnastic performances and had to deal with people attacking her hair and her mom on social media, she may not have performed well or to her best ability, but her smile still shown and she genuinely congratulated the other gymnasts.
Jordan Weiber was amazing as well. She did her best, and even though took fourth overall was not able to compete in the all around because only two from each country was allowed into the all around. Her heart was broken and her dreams were crushed. Yet, the media would not leave her alone. The sweet young lady was crying for all the world to see, her dreams shattered and three cameras were all in her face not giving her space. (I don't understand the insensitivity of the media!). Yet, she had smiles on the rest of the week and cheered her team on and helped lead them to a team gold. She was in everyone else's corner.
Over to swimming, Michael Phelps delivered as expected. He had a rough start, but he ended high. That swimmer we all came to love and know during the last few olympics came out during his third race and was here to stay. He went out on top, and always had something good to say about the other team mates. I thought when people lost races, they were upset and down and did not like the competition. So it was funny when one European swimmer said, "I just got beat by Michael Phelps!" and asked for his autograph.
Missy Franklin came out of nowhere and shocked us all. She was amazing!!! She has to go back and finish her senior year of high school. What an amazing swimmer. And she was always smiling, and congratulating herself. Franklin even said she wanted to be a role model for other girls.
Where does all this positivity come from? From many of the athletes of all sports I saw so much glory going up to God. Not all of them (or even all the ones mentioned), but many of them in all the sports. I genuinely felt, during this Olympics, and during a time where our country is extremely divided on the faith issue, that God sort of sent us a message saying He is still here and there is still hope. Even many who lost still gave God the glory and was smiling because they even made it to the Olympics. It was like they were saying, "I made it to the battle. I might not have been the winning soldier, but at least I prepared and came to the fight! Being chosen for the battle is just as exciting as being the winner!" I know they weren't really saying that, but that's the look on those particular athletes. Sure, they were upset that they did not win a medal, or the gold medal, but they were just so dang dong happy the whole time.
I think I, as a Christian, need to view life the same way. I've been praying, getting to know God, and studying His Word like crazy for what? Well, to get to heaven, but according to Ephesians 6 we are in a battle. So why should I whine about the devil coming after me and trying to take me and my family down? I should be happy that the Lord chose me for such a time as this! I should be happy because if I'm fighting for the Lord, I know the outcome. I only have to speak the Word and pray to fight. I only have to put on the armor of God to be prepared to fight. The armor of God is just reading, praying, and applying what the Word says in my life.
Yet, when the enemy comes in - instead of fear and crying - I need to trust in the Word that the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against it. I need to know that no weapon formed against me shall prosper and that God is great in me.
I know I have been talking about this alot lately in my blogs, but it is my battle right now. Anyone else going through this battle, I'm real quick to encourage and pray with. I have all the faith in the world about their triumph, but my own I struggle with.
I am happy. Overall, I have peace that passes understanding, and true joy. Sometimes, I just let the devil get a shot in. Well, I have been inspired. Thank you to all the Christian athletes, and those athletes with the Christian athletes who can't help but catch the contagious positivity. I have done my preparation. I have put in a lot of hard work. I might not be perfect and I might make mistakes, and I might not even be on the medal stands, but God is glorious and deserves all the glory in my life. He brought me to the battle and He will help me in it. I can be happy in knowing that God is watching over me and looking out for me!
Congrats to all the olympians for you have made it and you are all doing great jobs! You are doing your best! Finally, Thank you God! You Rock!!!
I was always a fan of the Olympics. As a child, the olympics reigned in our house - at least with me. I looked forward to it every four years. I was going to amount to something like one of those gymnasts! I was so obsessed. I even went in my front yard and practiced and practiced and practiced. For one who had no training in a gym with a coach, I did really well. I was really hoping Bela and Marta would accidentally be driving down the street and see me and pick me to go to Texas to train. Of course, that obviously did not happen. I was so let down. Well, if nothing else I did have an imagination.
Fast forward to now? The olympics still are the only show on the television during those two weeks. My husband, a former swimmer, is as into the games as I am. However, now each of us has a favorite sport and we focus on those. Even though the Olympics are on, most of the time I venture through the house getting other work done. Anyone who knows us, in this home, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Diving are the favorite sports. And this year's Olympics did not disappoint.
The underdog at the beginning, Gabby Douglas, was such a powerhouse the first week. She was performing and performing, showing everyone what she was made of. If she hadn't taken first in the trials, she probably wouldn't have been there because she was not a favorite. They said she "broke under pressure"? Really? She didn't that first week. The other amazing thing was how she gave God the glory and truly lived her testimony out. No matter what happened she had the best attitude and smile.
Even during week 2 when she was exhausted from all the gymnastic performances and had to deal with people attacking her hair and her mom on social media, she may not have performed well or to her best ability, but her smile still shown and she genuinely congratulated the other gymnasts.
Jordan Weiber was amazing as well. She did her best, and even though took fourth overall was not able to compete in the all around because only two from each country was allowed into the all around. Her heart was broken and her dreams were crushed. Yet, the media would not leave her alone. The sweet young lady was crying for all the world to see, her dreams shattered and three cameras were all in her face not giving her space. (I don't understand the insensitivity of the media!). Yet, she had smiles on the rest of the week and cheered her team on and helped lead them to a team gold. She was in everyone else's corner.
Over to swimming, Michael Phelps delivered as expected. He had a rough start, but he ended high. That swimmer we all came to love and know during the last few olympics came out during his third race and was here to stay. He went out on top, and always had something good to say about the other team mates. I thought when people lost races, they were upset and down and did not like the competition. So it was funny when one European swimmer said, "I just got beat by Michael Phelps!" and asked for his autograph.
Missy Franklin came out of nowhere and shocked us all. She was amazing!!! She has to go back and finish her senior year of high school. What an amazing swimmer. And she was always smiling, and congratulating herself. Franklin even said she wanted to be a role model for other girls.
Where does all this positivity come from? From many of the athletes of all sports I saw so much glory going up to God. Not all of them (or even all the ones mentioned), but many of them in all the sports. I genuinely felt, during this Olympics, and during a time where our country is extremely divided on the faith issue, that God sort of sent us a message saying He is still here and there is still hope. Even many who lost still gave God the glory and was smiling because they even made it to the Olympics. It was like they were saying, "I made it to the battle. I might not have been the winning soldier, but at least I prepared and came to the fight! Being chosen for the battle is just as exciting as being the winner!" I know they weren't really saying that, but that's the look on those particular athletes. Sure, they were upset that they did not win a medal, or the gold medal, but they were just so dang dong happy the whole time.
I think I, as a Christian, need to view life the same way. I've been praying, getting to know God, and studying His Word like crazy for what? Well, to get to heaven, but according to Ephesians 6 we are in a battle. So why should I whine about the devil coming after me and trying to take me and my family down? I should be happy that the Lord chose me for such a time as this! I should be happy because if I'm fighting for the Lord, I know the outcome. I only have to speak the Word and pray to fight. I only have to put on the armor of God to be prepared to fight. The armor of God is just reading, praying, and applying what the Word says in my life.
Yet, when the enemy comes in - instead of fear and crying - I need to trust in the Word that the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against it. I need to know that no weapon formed against me shall prosper and that God is great in me.
I know I have been talking about this alot lately in my blogs, but it is my battle right now. Anyone else going through this battle, I'm real quick to encourage and pray with. I have all the faith in the world about their triumph, but my own I struggle with.
I am happy. Overall, I have peace that passes understanding, and true joy. Sometimes, I just let the devil get a shot in. Well, I have been inspired. Thank you to all the Christian athletes, and those athletes with the Christian athletes who can't help but catch the contagious positivity. I have done my preparation. I have put in a lot of hard work. I might not be perfect and I might make mistakes, and I might not even be on the medal stands, but God is glorious and deserves all the glory in my life. He brought me to the battle and He will help me in it. I can be happy in knowing that God is watching over me and looking out for me!
Congrats to all the olympians for you have made it and you are all doing great jobs! You are doing your best! Finally, Thank you God! You Rock!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
What a day at Chick-Fil-A!
Wow! That is all I have to say about today. Today was an amazing day of my life. Although a battle in the "war" was really fought today, it was amazing. You see, the CEO of a fast food chain was ridiculed for a statement he made on a Christian radio station. His belief in the Bible about what marriage states was received as a bigoted and intollerant view. City government officials all over the country were outraged and said no more Chick-Fil-A's can come into their cities, etc.
Then the Christians, who seldom ever get involved and fight, got tired. They got tired of being beaten. Prayer has been taken out of daily schooling. Prayer has been taken out of college graduations (my senior year was the final year the government allowed it). Abortion was made illegal the same year I was born. The christians are being forced to accept lifestyles and things that are clearly against the Bible and what the Bible teaching. Christmas parties and Merry Christmas - gone. No longer allowed to say it. Easter? No more easter vacations. It is now Spring vacation.
Over the last fifty to sixty years the christians have taken beating after beating. A movie comes out showing the story of the crucifixion and what happens? The Jews get mad because the christians made them look bad (it was a true story). Everywhere the Christians turn someone seemed out to get them. Then, they had enough. Enough of sitting down whining like little kindergardeners about how everything has been taken from them.
The media keeps talking about the boycotting of this fast food restaurant. Everywhere you turn no one was supporting them and apparently everyone was supporting the government and this CEO was completely out of line - or so we were being told. The media has stopped telling the truth a while ago and feeding us what we are supposed to think. Television shows, movies, video games, books, etc. So many things are telling us what we have to accept and what is the new norm. Well, someone somewhere realized we were being fed lies. We are all battling personal issues, spiritual issues, physcial issues, and financial issues. When does enough become enough? Today!
On August 1, 2012 the believers of the Faith and those who agree with the first amendment rights decided to fight back. They have had enough. So they decided to go and support this man, his constitutional rights, and their beliefs in the Word. How can believers get their point across without being verbally assaulting like the media? Easy, just go to the restaurants and eat their food.
All across the US, many believers and others united and went to these restaurants. In a world where discouragement and sadness had taken over the place we live. A place, we thought no longer held hope and that no one knew what was right and wrong anymore and that not that many believed in a higher calling from our Lord still cared? Well, today the media was shown and a small battle in this war was WON! Finally, the Christians united (over food of course).
Talk about the biggest, "After GLow" I have ever seen. Many restaurants ran out of food, and the lines were seldom under an hour. Traffic had to be controlled and many had to walk over busy streets to get to the restaurants. What an awesome message.
The message inside was even more uplifting. Everyone was smiling, and no matter how busy it got, the employees kept thanking us for our support. They came to our tables to refil our drinks and to just say hi even though they were so busy they could barely stand and looked tired. The smiles never left their faces. The patrons all were talking to each other and smiling and a genuine peaceful, loving Spirit permeated the crowd and laughter was such a good medicine. I was blessed by today.
I know this was an oasis in the desert many have been walking. To others, it showed that the media is not the majority and even though they are trying to tell us what to think - God is still in control. Even though the enemy meant evil for this CEO, God turned it into good. Even though the government tried to shut down this chain or stop it from growing/making any more money - God turned it and it backfired. It is safe to say that company made LOTS of money today - much of which will be given back out to the communties.
The funniest part is that I had no intention of attending this support team. I had no desire to go eat fast food during this time of living a healhier life. However, when I read my Bible study today on Esther I read how she stood up for what is right and noble. This is part of what we are supposed to do. For Esther and her Uncle it should have meant death. But even if we are the only ones standing, standing for truth is what Jesus wants.
However, Jesus wants us to do everything in love. I decided to take a stand. I did. And I did not do it maliciously or with meanness. I love God and everyone here on earth. But I must do what I am called to do. God is awesome! God is amazing! God is the Winner in the end. His Word does not come back void.
The Believers took a stand today. The enemy will retaliate but what does the Word say? NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. And greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. A favorite song of mine during worship also is helpful during this time, "And though were surrounded by armies of darkness, Lord open our eyes again. To see that surrounding those who suround us, are thousands of angels we cannot see. Those who are with us are more than those against us!" Rejoice my fellow believers because God is here and is with us! He is awesome and if we do what is right - He is on our side. I can't wait to see that white horse coming to get us. God bless you all! Amen.
Then the Christians, who seldom ever get involved and fight, got tired. They got tired of being beaten. Prayer has been taken out of daily schooling. Prayer has been taken out of college graduations (my senior year was the final year the government allowed it). Abortion was made illegal the same year I was born. The christians are being forced to accept lifestyles and things that are clearly against the Bible and what the Bible teaching. Christmas parties and Merry Christmas - gone. No longer allowed to say it. Easter? No more easter vacations. It is now Spring vacation.
Over the last fifty to sixty years the christians have taken beating after beating. A movie comes out showing the story of the crucifixion and what happens? The Jews get mad because the christians made them look bad (it was a true story). Everywhere the Christians turn someone seemed out to get them. Then, they had enough. Enough of sitting down whining like little kindergardeners about how everything has been taken from them.
The media keeps talking about the boycotting of this fast food restaurant. Everywhere you turn no one was supporting them and apparently everyone was supporting the government and this CEO was completely out of line - or so we were being told. The media has stopped telling the truth a while ago and feeding us what we are supposed to think. Television shows, movies, video games, books, etc. So many things are telling us what we have to accept and what is the new norm. Well, someone somewhere realized we were being fed lies. We are all battling personal issues, spiritual issues, physcial issues, and financial issues. When does enough become enough? Today!
On August 1, 2012 the believers of the Faith and those who agree with the first amendment rights decided to fight back. They have had enough. So they decided to go and support this man, his constitutional rights, and their beliefs in the Word. How can believers get their point across without being verbally assaulting like the media? Easy, just go to the restaurants and eat their food.
All across the US, many believers and others united and went to these restaurants. In a world where discouragement and sadness had taken over the place we live. A place, we thought no longer held hope and that no one knew what was right and wrong anymore and that not that many believed in a higher calling from our Lord still cared? Well, today the media was shown and a small battle in this war was WON! Finally, the Christians united (over food of course).
Talk about the biggest, "After GLow" I have ever seen. Many restaurants ran out of food, and the lines were seldom under an hour. Traffic had to be controlled and many had to walk over busy streets to get to the restaurants. What an awesome message.
The message inside was even more uplifting. Everyone was smiling, and no matter how busy it got, the employees kept thanking us for our support. They came to our tables to refil our drinks and to just say hi even though they were so busy they could barely stand and looked tired. The smiles never left their faces. The patrons all were talking to each other and smiling and a genuine peaceful, loving Spirit permeated the crowd and laughter was such a good medicine. I was blessed by today.
I know this was an oasis in the desert many have been walking. To others, it showed that the media is not the majority and even though they are trying to tell us what to think - God is still in control. Even though the enemy meant evil for this CEO, God turned it into good. Even though the government tried to shut down this chain or stop it from growing/making any more money - God turned it and it backfired. It is safe to say that company made LOTS of money today - much of which will be given back out to the communties.
The funniest part is that I had no intention of attending this support team. I had no desire to go eat fast food during this time of living a healhier life. However, when I read my Bible study today on Esther I read how she stood up for what is right and noble. This is part of what we are supposed to do. For Esther and her Uncle it should have meant death. But even if we are the only ones standing, standing for truth is what Jesus wants.
However, Jesus wants us to do everything in love. I decided to take a stand. I did. And I did not do it maliciously or with meanness. I love God and everyone here on earth. But I must do what I am called to do. God is awesome! God is amazing! God is the Winner in the end. His Word does not come back void.
The Believers took a stand today. The enemy will retaliate but what does the Word say? NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. And greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. A favorite song of mine during worship also is helpful during this time, "And though were surrounded by armies of darkness, Lord open our eyes again. To see that surrounding those who suround us, are thousands of angels we cannot see. Those who are with us are more than those against us!" Rejoice my fellow believers because God is here and is with us! He is awesome and if we do what is right - He is on our side. I can't wait to see that white horse coming to get us. God bless you all! Amen.
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