Thursday, September 23, 2010

With Everything - Hillsong

How much of your heart are you willing to give?  How much of your life are you willing to share?  See, I don't think we can truly give of ourselves until we become aware of how big the price was paid for us.  When we begin to meditate on what was given to give us freedom, we begin to walk into the knowledge of the truth.  Meditate on this as you listen to this song, With Everything by Hillsong.

See, He is the reason we are free!  He is the reason we can live!  He alone is deserving of our praise, adoration and our lives.  Praise Him for who He is and what He has done!  He is WORTHY!  One day, everyone will understand this.  My prayer is that you will choose to worship Him now, as an act of your will!  For on that day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Most (The Bridge) Music Trailer

From the movie, "Most" also know as the Bridge here is a FABULOUS music trailer of showing the Love of a Father...our God and his love for us.  Simply beautiful!  Enjoy.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns is an all-time favorite song!  If you have never heard it, you need to!  Sit back and enjoy this POWERFUL song that will build you up in your most Holy faith!

This song has been an inspiration to many as it speaks right to your spot of difficulty.  So what choice do we have but to listen to the Voice of Truth!  Incredible lyrics that will turn you around!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Twilight a Movie or a Sermon?

So is Twilight a movie or a sermon?  Here is an interesting sermon by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church.  I think this is really interesting that of all pastors to speak up on the Twilight series it is this guy.

You have to understand that in my neck-of-the-woods (no pun intended) there are many people I come across from many domination's who call themselves practicing Christians (and as far as I am concerned they are) but they are continually pounding the floor about doctrine yet these same people have no problem reading these vampire books or watching these movies.  I say this because just a month ago, I had this discussion again with a friend.   In fact, I know people who were among the few that sat out in the weather to wait for the midnight opening of the movie and yet they are "fine" Christian people.  These people of which I speak are mainly on the conservative side of Christianity, (many falling under the category of Christians called Calvinists) and some are even in doctrines that are very exclusive to the "definition" of Christianity.

Of all the churches that I hear that are too "extreme", "inclusive", "radical", "scriptural questionable" and certainly "not following sound doctrine", Mars Hill Church would make the list and yet this pastor is taking a hard line on his interpretation of these books and how they should not even be in the interface of a practicing Christian's life.  I just find it interesting that many who are very conservative have no issue with vampire books and many of them would fault this church because it is not teaching don't fall under what they call sound doctrine yet their doctrine has no issue with dealing or reading books or movies that radically deal with the topic of demons and devils?  They just think these books are a work of fiction and therefore is it just not real to them.  Things like this make me scratch my head and then I understand why the world has no understanding of Christianity.  We (the church of Christ) continually send dual messages that are quite frankly, confusing in the least and troubling in the end.

I for one, TOTALLY agree with this teaching and wish more Christians would listen and heed this teaching.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Tim Hawkins on Hand Sanitizer

So this is an interesting video, again, by Tim Hawkins regarding hand sanitizer.  Yes, that is right, hand sanitizer.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Are You Discerning?

Should Christians..... (you fill in the blank)?

Very interesting video on a topic that many Christians don't want to address.  I really felt this is a topic needing more discussion and I thought the point made by this video is valid and quite frankly a testimony that I have personally seen many Christians choose.

As Christians, we represent Christ; weather we want to our not, people will do this.  It is what we do by our very nature.  Someone we personally know is highly influential over us; good or bad.  We take what they do and apply it to all people we hear about who are like them.

Let me give you an example:  Think of a person who is wealthy, maybe a celebrity, who is the daughter or son of their famous parent.  Whenever we see them fail or get into trouble, the tabloids are quick to say it is because they were spoiled.  They had too much.  They didn't learn to work or appreciate their blessings.  How about the person who is poor? We do the same thing.  They are this way or that because they are poor.  All people who are poor do this or that.  By our very nature we group people into generalities.  We want to simplify the difficult issues and questions that we see presented in society.

Well, this video also shows how we as Christians send the same mixed signals.  We are called to be Holy, Righteous, above reproach, set apart and yet we do behaviors that are not very Holy sometimes.  We associate with behaviors that are not very righteous and we justify our choices because we are "saved" and are "free" no longer bound to the "law".  This is true!  We are saved, free and no longer bound to the law.  The problem is when I (or you) do something that is NOT uplifting or edifying to the whole body of believers and we justify it because we "all sin".  Or this, "No one is perfect".  Again, true, but many are watching what we do and what we do represents the Lord, weather we like it or not or weather we believe that or not.

We want to believe that "we" are strong, independent, a leader, but it is in our nature to follow.  Ask yourself, how many times have you risked going against the flow to speak up for someone or something that was not politically correct in a public setting?  Do you sit their silently, as a believer, in a unbelieving office environment as other tear down your God, your beliefs, other Christians?  Most of us want to fit in, be liked, be accepted and most of us don't want to confront because WE may be ridiculed, isolated or shunned.

With that in mind, watch the video and think about how your choices effect others.  Do you really know who is watching and emulating YOUR life?  I asked the question once to a friend who felt the choice revealed in the video was simply that a choice and it had no reflection on them or Christianity.  Then I said, are you ok if your children follow in your choices on this topic?  They paused and said, "Well, that is really the ONLY reason I would say that I 'struggle' with on this topic.  I don't know how it will affect them and I would never want to hurt them."  Yet, they still choose to do the very thing that they admitted caused them concern.  Hmmm - that also is the very reason I have for chosen to act the way I do regarding this topic, because I don't want my children (or any believer) doing something that I do that could cause them harm.  It's not worth it to me.  And yes, I have now even taken this topic into further areas like exercise and eating habits too!  I confess when I DON'T live a life that is worthy of emulation.  I tell others my failures and I really try NOT to continue to do those things I shouldn't.  Some things just have too high of a pricetag to me!

See ultimately, a hypocrite is someone who wears a mask.  They say one thing and do another.  People who declare their failures are not hypocrits, they share that they struggle.  Well, if we are struggling with something and continue to do what we know we shouldn't, the Bible calls this sin.

On the flip side then, if we don't have a problem with something and we expose (or tell others) what we do, does that make it ok and therefore not sin?  We can do whatever we want because we confess?  See somewhere what we do and believe becomes an action that affects others and this is what we need to address.  Is what we doing edifying others or causing them to stumble?  I don't want ANYTHING I do to cause another to stumble, Lord Jesus, please show me if I am a stumbling block!  In ALL I do, I want to Honor YOU, Lord!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Meet Me in the Stairwell

I received this as an email and had to share it this 9-11 with you all.  We can NEVER FORGET all that happened to us, our fellow Americans and our country that fateful day in 2001!

Following is a poem called Meet Me in the Stairwell and also a video link called I Was There.  Either way, this is a different view of the tragic events of 9-11.  I hope you will take a minute to read the poem below and also to watch the link above! 

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan . I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.
 
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.' I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

- God



This is the end of the poem.  I would like to close this email with a personal  opportunity for you.  There were many on this historic day who were walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ as they faced the end of their lives.  I am sure there were also many who did not spend their lives in fellowship with Christ but because they were given of few minutes to face their destiny, they stopped and said a prayer tasking God for forgiveness of their sins and requested salvation.

My question to you is are you ready?  Have you made this decision to trust in Christ with the REST of your life; whether that is a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month or for many years to come?  You see, one of the 'rules' of this life is no one knows when their days are coming to an end yet we all know our days are numbered.  I pray that you would take a minute and get your affairs in order.  It is simple and historic.

To begin you have to believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God and that His death on the cross was as a sacrifice done for you!  Make it personal not just historic!  Take a minute and confess to Father God that you have failed (sinned).  Again, we all know that people fail, this is a time to make it personal; confess your failures, your sins!  Finally, allow God to apply His sons' blood that has already been shed as a sacrifice some 2000 years ago to your life today; not just to cover your sins but to wash them away, as far as the east is from the west.  The whole process that we call salvation is to make historic facts PERSONAL through confession and therefore entering into relationship with God Himself.  We all have heard about Jesus, the Bible, the need for God but have you personally taken it from the realm of historic and applied it to YOUR life?  This is what God wants from us; a personal relationship with Him!  Think about it; the KING of KINGS wants to be friends with YOU!

He sustains me and keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one but with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength!  Thank Him now for ALL the great things He has done for you.  This is called prayer...talking to God.  When we begin to extol Him, thank Him, rejoice in what He has done and who He is we move from prayer to Worship.  Worship the God who gave His son as a sacrifice for you!  Thank you Lord Jesus and Welcome to the Family of God!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Untitled Hymn - Chris Rice

I went to a funeral today and was reminded of this song that was played at a funeral I went to about 3 years ago.  I was surprised when I was talking with some of my close Christian musician friends recently about the song when they said they were not familiar with it. 

So, I had to share this incredibly sweet and simple song.  I pray you are blessed by this Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Reflections of Motherhood

As a mother of six children of which the third will be an adult this fall, I have found myself in a state of reflection over my life this summer. I have been married 25 years to the same man, who is my high school sweetheart and my best friend. My children all have the same father and I am blessed to have a good marriage. I state all these statistics because today you rarely find people who can answer yes to all the above statements for themselves. We live in a culture full of change. Even down to our family unit. I knew just a handful of friends growing up who came from divorced families. If there was divorce in the family, people certainly didn't re-marry. I can't recall a single friend who had a step-parent in the home. It just wasn't common.

When I stumbled across this video, Reflections of Motherhood, it made me reflect back to those years, now almost a quarter century ago and I find it hard to believe I am old enough to even use these terms in a sentence, especially a sentence about my life. If I were to add a sign to this video, my sign would say, "Savor the hard moments, it will all be finished before you know it." I know this is SO hard to imagine if you are right now drowning in the sea of dirty diapers and crying toddlers, but really, it all goes by so fast. I think for me, I got so busy with taking care of the daily needs a large family, I didn't notice the clock ticking by. Ten years were just, poof, gone. Not sure how to slow it down when you have so many children, just make sure you take time to hold your babies when you can. They grow up too quickly.
As a child, my mother shared this poem with me that she had gotten from a Senior Citizen home. Mom was the coordinator of the elderly services in the second largest county in the state where we lived. She would often come upon treasures from the seniors and those nuggets she would then pass on and share. In watching this video I was reminded of this poem. I have thought of it MANY times during my years as a mother. I first heard the poem when I was a child, about ten. It has been interesting and sometimes sad to see how my life is hitting these landmarks that the writer shared in her poem. Life is hard at times, I know, but I want to live my life to it's fullest at every stage I am in.

A bit about the poem.  It was found, my mother said, in the room of a psychiatric geriatric patients room.  When searching on the Internet about the poem I found this:  When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee, Scotland, it was felt that she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health.  Read on:

An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....

Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.

A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.

At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!

*********************

Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within ...... We will one day be there, too!

So again, my sign would say, "Savor the hard moments, it will all be finished before you know it."

Monday, September 6, 2010

You Are All I'm After

A great new song by Coffey.  If you play guitar or piano, you can join along and sing it too.  You Are All I'm After is a great reminder of who we are because of Christ.  Keep your eyes fixed on him during all these incredible days that we live in.  He is faithful to answer.  Cry out to Him and sing, You are all I am after!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Somebody's Praying - Ricky Skaggs

In these days of difficulty, it is SO important to remember that we are not alone.  The Lord has not left us nor has He forgotten us.  Take a minute to be built up in your most Holy faith as you listen to this old song, Somebody's Praying (live version) by Ricky Skaggs.

As you listen, really listen to the words.  I am SO thankful for Jesus who ever makes intercession for us!  We have not been left here to figure it out on our own.  I am also thankful for those people who took their time over the years to pray for me. We may never know how much the prayer's of a friend carried us. We may never know until that day.  Thank you Lord for those who stand in the gap and pray!  Thank you Father for your son who ALWAYS is faithful and is ever making intercession for us!

Somebody's Praying video by Ricky Skaggs

I also found this neat video song: Somebody's Praying Me Through.  Remember, we don't have to be alone!  I pray that you, the reader of this blog, have someone to pray you through.  If you don't, contact me...I would consider it a priviledge to carry you in prayer to My Heavenly Father in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ and then watch you see how Big My God could be in your life!  He is there, just a prayer away.  Call on Him...He ALWAYS answers His children!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Attitude is Altitude - Nick Vujicic

Every now and then we all get into self-pity, discouragement, maybe even depression and we know we should be happy but just can't seem to find the strength to get there.  Well, Nick Vujicic will help motivate you as you listen to his many links and stories of his own personal testimony and life challenges.  Hear the Heart will be incredibly challenging and also incredibly motivating.  I suggest you listen to this one if you only make time to listen to one...this is one you don't want to miss.

I have blogged about Nick before and you can read about it here.  He is such an inspiration and encouragement.  I pray you take a few minutes to listen to some of the links.  They are incredible and motivating.  What a gift his life has been to so many.  We, in our culture, are so quick to judge when a person is worthwhile or necessary to the "betterment of the society" and yet we certainly don't look deep enough into the heart to see the whole man.  I know you will be changed after viewing these clips from his sight and any of these DVD's are available for purchase to view them in their entirety.

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries - Nick Vujicic
Nick's Story - Nick Vujicic
You are Special - Ministering to Children by Nick Vujicic
Hear the Heart - Ministering to Youth by Nick Vujicic
Doing your Best - Message to Parents by Nick Vujicic
Motivational Message - Nick Vujicic

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Father's Heart - Hillsong London

A great song to pray.  Be lifted up, Lord Jesus.  The Father's Heart by Hillsong London, another great song for our most excellent God!