Still a Mystery

This past couple of weeks I have been exposed to the "Knights of Columbus" title a few times and from a couple of different sources. One being an acquaintance considering becoming a part of the group and the other a Brother in Christ concerned for his brother entering into such a secret society. I must admit that I know little to nothing about this Catholic brotherhood founded by Father Michael J. McGivney and that my knowledge of them is limited because I haven't taken the time to research the group. However if my trusted and diligent friend is having trouble obtaining information about the group there must be something hidden from the public eye. It could very well be that this "do good" fraternity of Catholic men has nothing serious to hide and just likes being a mystery to others. Or it could be that they have plans to take over the world by the year 2027. I truly don't know.

My friend did, however, make an excellent point concerning secret societies under the name of church and Christianity. He said those things done in God's name while under a shroud of secrecy has to be questioned. (or something similar) I have to admit that I agree. We have been sent out as believers to tell of God's works and wonders, therefore, how can those doing His work justify having a group that you must be a part of in order to learn the inter-workings of it?

I too find the mystery a bit intriguing however not enough to run the search engine in pursuit of the answers. So I'll leave that to the ones who have a vested interest in it and pray for those convicted by their conscience to do what is right in God's sight.

Tuesday, September 11th, Again

Worn... but not home yet.

I was challenged this morning with an inevitable question from a three year old. The question was "Why is that man putting up another flag?" I gave him the short answer of this being a day do remember what happened and another Tuesday six years ago. That people died and we want to remember them. He asked subsequent questions like "How did they die?" and "why did the bad guys want to crash the planes?". And you would think that after six years I could answer those questions without emotion but I didn’t and salty water filled my eyes.

The blessing in all of this was that I was not saddened by the number of people who died that day but at the thought of the souls in those buildings who were lost in sin and taken by another's sin. I know that because God is sovereign all was and is not without purpose. It is my prayer that we who know Him will be ready to share with those still distraught by circumstances in tis life, that He is good and therefore causes all things for good. We may never see or understand the good of the events which devastated so many in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, while we walk in this world. We can however have comfort and trust in the One who does.

Blessings on this eventful day,

Nanci Lea

Okay... enough delay.

I'm very much home and very much behind on personal up-keep.

I'll blog more when a little less overwhelmed with the day to day stuff.

Chasing the Son and Slaying Monsters

Chasing the Son

The plane ride out to the west coast was quite the journey. I was indeed chasing the sun and I think that I would have come much closer to catching it if I hadn't missed the flight from Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to San Jose, CA. However there was only a short wait as a standby for the very next flight headed that way.

As a standby I thought it important to be at the gate as the passengers were being loaded on the plane. There were a total of 13 people on the standby list an I was number 5. The other standbys I waited with were numbers 1, 6, & 7. Mr. 1 was a gentleman with the US Army on his way to classes for his continuing college education. Mr. 6 & Ms. 7 were a young couple who had just finished vacation in the northeast corner of our country. Mr. 1 was soon called upon to fill the first vacant seat available due to a cancelation, while the remaining three of us waited patiently for our names to be called.

As the plane was being loaded the maintenance crew had time to address a few issues with the aircraft but there remained work to be accomplished even after the boarding had finished. As we, the remaining standbys, anticipated the completion along with the final boarding call there seemed a light for at least one of us perhaps even two. The helpful attendants made us aware of this glimmer at which my companions stated that they wouldn't be split up for this second to last leg of their journey home. My gut reaction to this was that should there be two seats left on the plane Mr. 6 & Ms. 7 could have my seat that they may remain together. I spoke this gut reaction to the very helpful attendant.

I know people in the area of Ft. Worth that would be glad to minister to my need of lodging should the occasion arise and therefore was not afraid of the wait that I may have to endure for as much as a day. Furthermore the people expecting my arrival in CA were not on a tight schedule for the next couple of days so their retrieving me an hour or two later would not be a huge inconvience. Therefore I offered my seat in complete confidence that my needs would be met because of the graciousness of God to provide such a relaxed situatuion on my behalf.

After relaying the offer of my seat, I was given a bit of a spiritual start because of the response of Ms. 7. Even though it was meant as a compliment when she said "that would ge such good karma if you did that" my heart jumped back at the thought of doing something for karma's sake. Many of us act in such a way that we may gain some type of reward even if it's just a smile or a tiny pat on the back. Without realizing it we are drawn to this simple and yet powerful motivation to good deeds. The first words that entered my thoughts were "I don't believe in karma." Although my first gut reaction was happily relayed this one I held back, out of fear, pride or simple stupididity. I'm not sure but I regret not having said anything about trusting in the road of karma to get me anywhere being like chasing the sun.

The outcome: The two seats togther were taken by the couple who reserved them to begin with. Mr. 6 & Ms. 7 boarded a flight directly home to Portland which was where they intended to end up after one more connecting flight. The one seat remaining was never claimed by the intended party therefore I sat in her place and arrived in San Jose only an hour later than origianlly planned.

Later I tried to examine the situation and my heart. I asked myself if I truly do not believe in karma. My flesh is very attracted to the idea. Seeking the scratching of one back for that of another equally giving person in order to gain a little scratch for myself. Even to have someone feel as if they are in debted to me in some way. But I cringe at the thought that this might be what drives my actions.

When I yeilded to Christ in the beginning of this walk, prayerfully by His side, this was an issue that I knew was lacking in my life. I was driven by the approval of friends and family to do what seemed right in their eyes. When confronted with the reality that I was indeed acting on a daily basis out of fear of mere creatures I was broken to think that I was not even conscience of the Creator the only One who could rightly judge both actions and motives.

On that night I set aside the approval of men. I have lost friends as a result just as anyone striving to keep God's standards. I have denied some fleshly desires to keep His commands but so what. If I bow to the approval of creatures today and that bowing puts the Creator at my back than it is a loss for His glory and I count all He has given, done, and sacrificed to secure my life in His Son as vainity. So instead of chasing the lesser glory of mankind I pray that my desire would be made complete in the ever challenging pursuit, in Chasing the Son.

There will be regrets because I am still flesh surrounded by sin and its effects but the light is brighter where I am headed and that blackness left in sin's wake cannot survive there. It will be burned to ash and brushed away by His mighty hand.

Slaying Monsters

On a lighter note: Today was spent around the house with a little outing consisting of Toys-R-Us and IN-N-OUT Burger where you can purchase a t-shirt at the drive-thru window. Great time with the kids and a couple of items crossed off of the request list. In the evening hours we attended a birthday party which the youngest of my hosts was invited to join at the famed establishment of Chuck E. Cheese where my 7 year old companion and I were challenged with the slying of dinosaurs tring to take over our island. We were not sucessful but hopefully their numbers will be limited to that remote spot in the sea.

Just Hanging Out

Well the Service yesterday was great and I was blessed with excellent conversation with some of those I met last year as well as new found brothers and sisters in Christ. I was asked to share my personal testimony of responding to the gospel and was blessed to hear that of others as well. Fellowship within the body of Christ is an amazing thing. It transcends background, situation and station of life to bring the most unlikely of brethren together.



A side note: I met two flickr fellows after services. It truly is a small world.



Yesterday evening the more extended family gathered for a dinner celebrating a 18th wedding anniversary. (My thanks to GJ) At Piatti's, an Italian eatery here in Danville, I enjoyed a plate of "Ravioli Al Lemone." Ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese and covered with a creamy citrus sauce. I loved it. The sad thing about all this wonderful food I've been surrounded with is that my stomach isn't quite up to the task of finishing any of it. So...after sharing a bite or two with some of my lovely dinner companions and completing what I felt was a adequate portin for my self, there remained two well stuffed ravioli. What was I to do? There wasn't quite enough to save for later and too much to be left on the plate. I will end the suspense...I ate them.





Today, I hung out with the older of the two children while the younger enjoyed birthday festivities with his classmates. We then had an hearty lunch at a local dinner(patty melt for me). We came back to the house and played a little Wii. The children and I then went to see "Underdog" which was quite entertaining and family friendly.

All Things Relative (weather and time zone)

Well, things are going great here. I haven't seen the kids just yet but will in a couple of hours. This is Dad's weekend so they've been a little tied up with Grandma in town and a b-day party for the youngest. So when I came into the airport my very joyful ride was perfectly on time to move on to bigger and better things and in this case that was Food. Mexican food to be exact. We headed to a favorite eateryof my hostess'.

"El Torito"

While inside I was asked to recount the happenings of my life for the last ten to eight months which made me thankful that there has been many changes to produce conversation and also to give God glory for. I in turn asked Cristine to do the same. It was a great opportunity to get to an insight into what the week may hold and what to pray for while here and in days to follow. The conversation was so good that I nearly forgot that we were in California and that it was only about 72 degrees outside. When I opened the door to exit the establishment I was quickly reminded. The brisk air, high mountians and palm trees outside in San Jose were excellent reminders.

It seems this morning that life for others is taking a little long to get started, I suppose that is because I woke around 5am pacific time and finished an hour's walk and preparations for the day by 7:30. Well my ride for church will be here shortly so I will leave all this for now and post more later.

Perhaps you have not heard that my mother is going in for tests on her heart tomorrow. Please pray for her and for wisdom for the doctors. In one of these tests they will attempt to cause a heart attack in order to see just what is going on. Again, please pray for comfort in our sovereign God for those awaiting the results, for wisdom and guidance for the doctors, and God's will for my mom.

Blessings,

Here!

Have Arrived! Only one mistake on my part and had to take a different flight as a standby. All my fault.

More to come and pics as well.

"Leavin' On A Jet Plane" (again)

Well tomorrow is flight day for me. The amazing internet has allowed me to check-in a day early and an hour and a half away from the airport. It's crazy what we can do these days. Well there are bags to finish packing and calls to make so that will be enough for today. There will be pictures and paragraphs to follow.

Packing Ain't All It's Cracked Up To Be!!

Okay, this Saturday I'll be boarding a seven hour flight accross this great land of the free. Free that is unless you want to bring shampoo and toothpaste.

I understand all the security and even the limits on liquids but I'm only going for a week and guess what...everything I want to take fits in one carry-on size bag. However, I will have to check that bag and leave it up to the Power that is to keep it from getting lost in transit. Alas, I do not know the complete will of God regarding my luggage. Therefore I will not be able to bring one bag on my journey. There will be a second, unchecked bag, a bag that will be by my side throughout the flying process. This bag will contain a few books, paper, pens, verse memory card, peanuts, a sandwich, water (purchased at the airport), purell, an mp3 player, headphones, a handheld sudoku game, some gum, a small blankie, a reese's treat and alas a change of clothes.

I'm not suggesting that anyone make exceptions for little-ol-me. I just want to put one week of my life in a single bag. (and a camera case)

A Little Update on the Condition of My Soul

All Is Well

The Lord has been gracious to meet me in the depths of selfishness that often overtake my flesh. He met me there in the beginning when my soul was given life according to His plan and purpose brought about by the sacrificial work of Christ Jesus on my behalf and was sealed by His Spirit for His Glory alone.

He has brought me closer to "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of glory of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed and to purify for Himself a people for His own posession zealous for good deeds." (Titus 2:13-14)

The process of Purity is a long one and there are many bumps on the way, most times they are more like boils that ooze goo from the flesh continously. The Great Physician however is greatly skilled and faithful to His workings . Thanks for your prayers and encouragements.

It Is Well with My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

“It is well, it is well with my soul”

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blessed assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross,and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound,and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

Public Domain

Text: Horatio Spafford

Alright: Confession Time

I'm a dweeb when it comes to the things of God. I'm inconsistant and sometimes faithless in my Bible reading. I don't always want to be closer to Him today than I was yesterday. And I am not very compassionate toward God's people.

There is good news however!!!!

God Doesn't Change!!

Even though I feel like more of a wretch than the first time I knew I needed a Saviour, even though I continue to sin in what seems like a greater measure than before, and even though I'm stupid when it comes to truly denying myself daily.

God Doesn't Change!!

Here's a comforting quote that I read and was blessed to discuss with some fellow Christians yesterday.

"What peace it brings to the Christian’s heart to realize that our Heavenly Father never differs from Himself. Incoming to Him at any time we need not wonder whether we shall find Him in a receptive mood. He is always receptive to misery and need, as well as to love and faith. He does not keep office hours nor set aside periods when He will see no one. Neither does He change His mind about anything. Today, this moment, He feels toward His creatures, toward babies, toward the sick, the fallen, the sinful, exactly as He did when He sent His onlybegotten Son into the world to die for mankind.

God never changes moods or cools off in His affections or loses enthusiasm. His attitude toward sin is now the same as it was when He drove out the sinful man from the eastward garden, and His attitude toward the sinner the same as when He stretched forth His hands and cried, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'"

From:
The Knowledge of the Holy
A.W. Tozer (18971963)
The Immutability of God (Lesson 09)

So What??

Does this mean my dweebness is okay and that God understands my stupidity?

No, don't be daft!! May it never be!!

Sure God understands because He knows all things but that doesn't mean that I can wallow in this idiotic lack of motivation. Just because God doesn't change doesn't mean that it's okay for me to run around in the same set of clothes for the rest of my life. God says "Be holy, for I am holy." I am so not holy!! So what is the remedy?

Tozer goes on to say:
"In all our efforts to find God, to please Him, to commune with Him, we should remember that all change must be on our part. “I am the Lord, I change not.” We have but to meet His clearly stated terms, bring our lives into accord with His revealed will, and His infinite power will become instantly operative toward us in the manner set forth through the gospel in the Scriptures of truth."

Say What?

It is my very unholiness that requires change that only God - the unchanging one - can provide the measure for. And He has given us that measure in the Bible. So... I have to get out of this funk which very often leads me to depression and read the Word of God. I have to make concerted application of it to my life. - What a challenge!! But God is faithful to give me just what I need to do all of this.

He has provided a Church that teaches the Scriptures and seeks to help its people apply it to their daily lives. Through this Church and its leadership He has set forth a reading plan that is encouraged among the people so that say someone reading this that is also reading along can say "Hey, are you keeping up?" or " What did you think of this verse or passage?" And hey there may be someone reading this that hs gone through similar stuff that can post a comment of encouragement.

The point is that He has blessed us with the ability to change so that we can grow. We grow physically sure, but He alone insures our growing spiritually.

Lacking Decernment??

A Constant Companion

Our Youth Group is begining to memorize

2 Timothy

Dear Friend

I have a lovely friend who knows just how to make me laugh and cry.

Thanks Laura

and thanks to Ed for the pics

Great Wall In Arkansas

I took some pictures last week with my little 4 mega pix camera.

No, I didn't travel to Ireland. The pictures are of the wall placed around a housing developement. The building is going slow, however it makes for better pictures when you're not trying to dodge people's rooftops, swing sets and swimming pools. I did end up with some powerlines and street signs.

NEW TOY

I have a new toy.

An early Birthday present, let's call it.

Still Breathing

Have you ever had one of those days that amounts to nothing except the air you've breathed...that's today.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150:6

Happy... For Now

Well I think that this is it for a few days at least.

The pic up top is of my youngest charge's hands crawling through the yard and the pic of "me eye" at right has been modified and re-modified.
Happy Viewing...

Cool Mosaic Site

Bring a picture here for a cool effect

Just a few changes...until I figure out how to make major ones.

Equal Dreamers

Last night our Study group was talking about the dangers of pride in abilities and accomplishments verses the purity of pleasure in God's gifts and workings through His people. In talking about taking the risk of getting close to the fine line in between them I said something about football teams and their lineing up on the line of scrimage. It wasn't well put but I think the idea got put across.

We have to use the gifts and have achievements to be pleased in God's workings. And others acknowledging them gives us the opportuity spread the good news of our glorious Lord's salvation and continually working in our lives.

As one who prefers to dream in the night and hide behind the dreams of others in the day, I have been challenged to press on with eyes wide open like only a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ can.

"All men dream: but not equally.

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible."

- T.E. Lawrence

Family Ties

My Mom

Her Children

Her Grandchilren

What are you proud of?

from a jewish periodical

Synergy In Advertizing

On my home page I received this comic as well as a link to ABC's story on this LEGO Master Builder and a free shipping offer from KB Toys on LEGO products..."Synergy People...Synergy."

There is an excellent book coming to the Americas from our long allies in Great Britian. It is a guide to boyhood adventure that has been lacking in both of our cultures for years now. Give it a look.

"The Dangerous Book for Boys"

This is where I read about the book.

Dr. Albert Mohler's blog

Something Cute

Little boys in button-up shirts.

Sock It To 'Em Mom

This weekend I found out why it is that "Soccer Moms" drive SUVs. There is'nt enough parking at the fields. I went to take a couple of boys to their games this weekend as their parents are on hiadus (I don't really know how to spell that), and found that I had to jump the curb to park the car. Thankfully the parents left their GMC Yukon for the weekend. My little Chevy Aveo would have bottomed out.

Now if we could just make "green" SUVs more available to them.

Just One More Funny Thing

Preservatives

They’re used to keep food "safe" and "healthy" but you know what, they’re not really good for you in and of themselves. God made natural preservatives like citrus juices, various types of oil, and who can forget salt, but they only last so long before you have to start adding things that only three people in the universe can pronounce. (Although these three people are on different continents and never go over the pronunciations together so that the can decide who’s doing it correctly.)

Think about it for just a moment. What you put in your mouth is meant to be digested. Digestion involves the breaking down of the foods molecular structure; which is the very thing that preservatives are meant to hinder. So doesn’t it stand to reason that the digestion process would be equally hindered as a result. Your body is trying to gather the good stuff and dispose of the bad and yet there are these chemicals that are getting in the way.

In general, if you can’t pronounce it or figure out what it is, you probably shouldn’t be forcing your digestive tract to try and figure it out either. I’m not saying that we should all spend way too much on organic foods and never eat anything out of a box. It's just that there should be a little more thought as to what we’re really throwing into the old pie hole.

There’s a show on food network that I really enjoy, Alton Brown’s “Good Eats.” The guy is a food scientist and he really gets into the structure of food and why it responds to heat or cold in just the way that it does and so on. He's fun and sometimes funny. But it’s rarely seen that he uses any type of preservatives apart form those I mentioned already (oh yeah, vinegar). And the book “French Women Don’t Get Fat” supports a diet built on this very premise. Think about what can you eat on the “South Beach Diet.” Fresh veggies, some fruits, fresh meats, eventually whole grains.

Eating things that your body is designed to digest: makes sense doesn’t it. Funny that we didn’t think of it before.

You Know What Else Is Funny??

I Mean Really, Really FUNNY...

Pepsi Girl

Viewing Tip:

Let the video go through once without watching

then click play again for viewing pleasure without the pauses for buffering.

Something Else That's Funny

Statistics show that a great number of people who may legally pursue marriage in all states(hetrosexual couples) here in the US are choosing not to, while those that may not in most states(homosexual couples) are fighting for the right to do so.

Question: Why is it that we want that which is forbidden to us and yet choose to set aside that very same thing if it is not?

Answer: Sin. Look at the fruit in the garden. The only tree that was forbidden and Eve and Adam chose to eat of it. They weren't hungry. They hadn't fallen on hard times. They had only been convinced (by Satan) that Someone (in this case God) was keeping them from a "better life." But the "better life" is never "better" for very long before it becomes bitter.

I suppose then that it's not funny at all but a matter to be pittied.

Something Funny

Chain Letters.

Sometimes they just make me think of someone special, or not so special.

Sometimes they fill in the gaps of my thoughts.

Sometimes the're just silly.

However, it's sad sometimes that these are the only instances in which I communicate with some people that are very dear to me.

Heaven Revisited

It can be a great wonder how God brings about the simple things of life to meet in a very grand way. In previous posts I was greatful to point out some of the briliant aspects of Heaven in response to a triffle found on the side of a cup of tea that I had recieved from an establishment. The next post was like it in that it referred to the holiness that awaits those who believe and will ultimately dwell in the presence of the Most Holy.

However the point of all these words are lost on the general masses, for the simple fact that one only gets excited about Heaven through the faith that God provides to those purchased by the precious blood of Christ. Although this is a point elluded to in both previous posts, it was again brought to mind by the sermon delivered to the people of Hope Community Bible Church this past Sunday (05/06/07). In it we were reminded that the things hoped for by the people of God are simply daft to the world and the promise of Heaven is among the chief assurances of the Redeemed.

There does remain a drawback for the Believer in all of this mucking about with the subject of faith. That drawback is that we are not home yet and until we reach that eternal rest we must continue to live moment by moment according to the reality of that which is unseen, that which is untouched, that which is unfathomable to the human mind. This is how we know the the Spirit is indeed living within us. Ask a Christian about the bliss of Heaven and you will have an insight to his/her knowledge of its King.

The challenge then is to have lofty minds, minds that are so far in the clouds that we long to bring others there just that we may rightly see them and show them the glories of golden streets and gates of a pearl.

I have fallen short this very day and every day before. What do you know of Heaven? What do you know of Hell?

May we grow in our knowledge of the Holy!!

A Side Note...Hey, Hey, I'm A Monkey

Year Of The Monkey

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

"People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat."

Not quite sure about all of it, but there's a little potential there.

What are you?

The Bliss of Heaven

The last post has really got me thinking about just what the appeal of Heaven is. It goes without saying that a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ will have a different belief about heaven from say a Jew or a Muslim. Seeing as I am neither of the latter two , nor Hindu or Buddist, but simply a Chirstian seeking to know what the Holy Scriptures of my God have to offer on the subject, I can only approach this topic from two directions. One being a worldling brought up in a society facading as Christian, for that is what I once was. The other being a redeemed, Heaven-bound child of the Living God, for that is what I am today.

The first appeal that Heaven held for me as a worldling is that when we are finally there as purchased children of God we will be no longer burdened down by the heaviness of sin. Just as Christian in the beloved "Pilgrim's Progress", I was shown the weight upon myself that not only bogged me down now but would eventually drive me into the very pit of Hell. This pack was not placed upon me because of any deed of unrighteousness which then stained my soul. It is, however, identical to that which is upon all who are born of flesh.

Heaven is the Kingdom-home of the only One who was never born of our father Adam. It is reigned over by the only One who posessed the clean, pure and acceptable currency with which to purchase a sin-ridden soul. The only One who could remove that horrid weight of sin and wash its stains from the layers flesh and eventually the heart it's self. Heaven is the place where "when we see Him, we will be like Him." We will finally be "whiter that snow." Only the blood of Jesus can make us that clean.

In short, Heaven is a holy place. The dwelling of the Most Holy One who will not allow a waft of anyone's sin into His home. Not only do the deeds of our hands and hearts against God reek of death but those which we see as redeeming reek of death warmed over. There's nothing more potent than the smell of a rotting corpse in the heat of summer.

We are not home yet and it is yet to be seen what exact form we will take as we enter into our long-awaited home. The sure thing , however, is that we will not be as we are today. We will fully desire just what we will then have: complete untainted communion with the Most Holy and Most High God. Creator and Re-Creator of those born again in Christ.

Holiness, holiness is what I long for.

Holiness is what I need.

Holiness, holiness is what You want from me.

So, take my heart and form it.

Take my mind and transform it.

Take my will and conform it,

To Yours, to Yours , O Lord.

Scott Underwood

1994 Vineyard Publishing

Heaven...Overrated?

The Way I See It #230

Heaven is totally overrated.

It seems boring. Clouds,

listening to people play the harp.

It should be somewhere you can't wait to go,

like a luxury hotel. Maybe blue skies

and soft music were enough to keep people in line

in the 17th century, but Heaven has to step it up a bit.

They're basically getting by because they only

have to be better than Hell.

--Joel Stein

Columnist for the

Los Angeles Times

Have you seen this opinion?

As you may be able to discern by the format in which this quote has been typed, that it was not found on the side of a milk carton but rather was handed to me by an unsuspecting young adult pushing java (or in this case green tea) at a local dive dedicated to that great saint...Arbuck.

Although the bottom of the cup clearly reads: This is the author's opinion, not necessarily that of Starbucks. Some one of at least a little power within the company thought that this might be a true statement, or simply a very interesting one. The problem however is that this opinion was stated by someone who has, at the least, been mis-informed about heaven and what will take place there. However the most likely explaination is that the author is unable to appreciate the bliss that Heaven offers because He knows not the King that rules in this very real "land."

Heaven is meant to bring the highest glory to God. It isn't meant "to keep people in line." Heaven isn't about what we get to sit on or listen to. It isn't about us at all. It is however, about God sitting on the throne and listening to the praises of His creatures who delight in Him as only He can turn their hearts to do.

Unfortunately many people get their information on Heaven from all the wrong places. Don't rely on someone who doesn't believe that doesn't like pizza to give you a good recipe for the dough. And don't rely on an unbelieving reporter to tell you what heaven will be like. Especially from the side of a cup.

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

Shortly after reading this quote I visited my Pastor's blog. As luck would have it (or the providence of God; the more likely explaination), He is taking a survey on the question: "What is the Biggest Problem Facing Today's Christians?" The options to vote for are:

o Indifference

o Political Correctness or Modernism

o Charismatics and Pentecostals

o Cults or Sects

o Biblical Illiteracy

You may be able to suppose my answer in thinking of the American Church after reading the above text.

So what does this have to do with an illinformed columnist in LA? Obviously his sources are a bit off with their information. He and they are Biblically illiterate. Being associated with such a large reporting agency one would assume that Mr. Stein checks his sources. But reading reading the text of the Holy Scriptures or even understanding it will not be enough to make Joel Stein or his informants to be credible sources on the subject. The Spirit of God alone can make someone to know the Glories of Christ and the Heaven over which He will reign.

Where do you get your information about God and His Heaven?

Oh, So Very Long Ago

This is a week that will be remembered by most here in the U.S. as a marker of devistation for many. On Monday there was a terrible shooting an the campus of Virgina Tech. If you have been sheltered from this news do a little search and you will have much more information than I will give here.

I am commonly a listener to NPR (National Public Radio) and often forget that it is still playing while there are others in the car. Tuesday I was reminded that it was on by a small voice from the back seat. As we were nearly home from preschool the three-year-old who had spent all day sheltered within the walls of Ms. Megan's class room said "thirty people died." His voice wasn't sorrow-full or reporter-like but questioning. I quickly agreed with his statement, even though the number was incorrect, with a pitiful "yes."

He then asked why they died and the only answer that I could muster was smiply "There was a man who was very sad and he wanted other people to be sad too, so he killed those thirty people." He will have forgotten the awful events he heard reported by the time he's ten or eleven. He'll not, however, be spared from the hearing of such future events.

When I was in kindergarten the U.S. mourned the loss of a group of astronauts when the "Challenger" exploded shortly after it's launch. One year after the Oklahoma City bombing, on the day after a beloved Junior High teacher died following a battle with lukemia, the Colombine shooting occurred. Not long after was a school shooting just six hours away from my hometown. A couple of years after I began a career working with children three planes smashed into buildings filled with people just minding their own business. Two years ago I was blessed to visit Louisana in order to help with a small clean-up effort after hurricaine Katrina passed through the Gulf of Mexico and destroyed thousands of people's homes.

All of these things will be written into textbooks for children of future generations to read. I wonder if someone will be there to tell them the truth that they too are capable of making history. All it takes is a little determination and a bit of firepower and you too can become a face on the news and maybe in a history book for kids just like you to read in U.S. history class.

To quote that great philosopher Jack Johnson "Where'd all the good people go?"

There is a blog written by a young and lovely lady very far away that I read on occasion. She has a way of putting things in just enough light to show a bit of truth under their first layers. Here's a little taste from a post called: "What's that smell?"

"Understand less, live safer! We'd do everything in our power to protect ourselves from meanings. Identifying a big truth about ourselves is like living à la McEwan, that is, with a hidden rotting corpse in the cellar. Its stench would grow stronger and stronger - familiar, alarming, terrorizing. Hold back. Now. Till it's not too late. The only thing you need to know about yourself is your name. All the rest would stink, would break your heart and would stir the flesh flies."

As a believer in God's sovereignty over all aspects of salvation I go directly to "total depravity" upon reading this brief statement on the human condition.

Although I read Adela's site I can't recommend it fully to everyone stumbling upon this one. I can say however that I am often challenged by her writings to look beyond the outer layer of life this side of Heaven.

Hosanna!!

Praise Him! Praise Him! We are not left in desperate anguish.

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

We will be like Him! We will be Risen! We will be Risen Indeed!

The Saviour of promise will keep His promise!!!

At the Feet of the King

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. The day set aside to celebrate the entry of our beloved King into what should have been His capitol city; Jerusalem . We all know the tradgic story of this King who's blood would soon be spilled to cover the sins of those who would come to Him for forgiveness. Just a few days before this eternal Lamb's slaughter the people who would later proclaim "Crucify Him" shouted "Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!" and laid palm branches and cloaks down as His red carpet of welcome. This post, however, is not about what those people laid down so long ago.

Although we my say; "Hypocrits, driven and tossed by the winds of the moment" what is it that we have laid down at His feet? And how often have we picked our offerings back up as though to say "You can't do this thing which I have entrusted to You; You can't trample the sin from this flesh." The personally picked palm branches and worn cloaks are beautiful compared to that which we have to offer. Our sin-stained flesh is all that we can lay down. Praise Him that He washes it clean as only He can!!


Distracting Thought:
I just answered the doorbell to find two young ladies who have presented to the household with a well designed flyer. The flyer is meant to "Invite you to remember the greatest man who ever lived on the anniversary of his death".
I am offended that my Saviour has been stripped of honor even if it's just on a well designed flyer. (I can't describe how hard it was to leave out capitol letters in reffering to Jesus while quoting their words.) Yet how often do I strip Him of honor by forgetting to acknowledge Him at all? How often do I ignore the truth of His sacrifice by sinning again in what I have claimed to lay down?

Too, too often am I blinded by my flesh. Of all the words I could use to describe this weight on my heart only one little word is needed. Sad.

A Note From the Hillside

Thank you to any and all that have been praying on my behalf.

I know that God's Spirit is stronger than myself and will prevail. The climb out of the dung filled valley is going well as it has been steady and bears progress. Yet there is still so much to be delt with here below the tree-line. The branches aren't so covered with leaves to prevent the Son's rays that force their way into the tretcherous path which will return me to sweet communion and fellowship with God and His people.

Sprained, Strained, and Bruised

There are many pleasures of working with the youth among our Body of Believers. One that I truly love and dread at the same time are the physical games that we as a youth staff share with them. Some are more mental and strategy oriented while others are meant to stretch one's physical limits for the sake of team work.

The latter was the drive of last night’s activity. We played an excellent version of "Ultimate Frizz be," much like water polo or football. There is a goal at either end of a designated playing field which a team is trying either to protect or score through. The rules are simple however there are may variations that can be found through a Google search. We have played our variation a few times over the last weeks and the youth are getting very good at this game. This means, however, that the staff are in need of being more physical or craftier in order to keep up. I, however, am neither.

All this to say that I sprained my ankle last night.

This is not truly the point of this post. The second two adjectives used in the title are more apt than the first in describing current affairs for myself. I have found myself emotionally drowned for a month or two and this has led to a type of depression in the last couple of weeks. It is a very fleshly cycle that I am all too familiar with and have seen the evolution of over and over. Sometimes I am clearly able to see a path of higher ground before reaching this state through examining the graces of our no less glorious God, however, this time I have ignored them and as a consequence been blinded to those more mountainous trails.

About a week ago I said to myself "Uh, Oh. It's happening, I have to get off this path." I found no ladder or lift to transport me off the steep decline into the deplorable state and am now found. There was however a more treacherous route of escape. It’s been said that “the hand of a friend is God’s hand on lend” and this is just what was required as the first step on this path to Son-light which was just beyond the tree line at that time.

That tree line has now been passed and the remaining path toward relief is even more difficult than the previous. This path is covered with the watery dung of self-pity, indulgence and pride. There is now a trudging required. A trudging through the filth that I myself have laid down.

The time spent on slightly higher ground was spent trying to bury these things which wage war against my soul. The unburyable temptations of the world used is such a crafty way by the devil and the flesh to try to get the believer to fill the valley so that they may never again slip so far. This filth cannot stay covered with earth. It not only rises to the top but brings more sludge with it.

More rubbish to wade through as one tries to cover the old, unconfessed sins with the seeming purity of snow only to find that the snow has been manufactured by the ill-certified self from the same sewer refuse that it is being employed to cover. As this substance melts the filth is again revealed, requiring more vain attempts to mask its hideousness.

Such rantings of a sinful wretch can go on and on. I deplore my situation but know that I alone am to blame for it's grossness against my most holy God. Yet I praise Him that I can still say "my most holy God." I am painfully aware that this tie which binds my eternal soul to Him is never to be broken. However I am broken. His love overwhelms me in the knowledge of His wrath that is to be poured on those that are not bound to Him through His most precious and equally holy Son. I am as broken over their damned souls as I am for my wretched heart because I know that the love and blood that covers my mulitiude of sins is not my own. I cannot love myself as much a my wonderous Creator nor is my blood enough to blot out even my one sinful heart's transgressions.

The Saviour alone can rid me of this dark unrest and He alone is faithful to do so.

Forgive me for luring you in with such a simple story of torn ligiments. Along with your forgiveness I also ask for your prayers concerning this valley of vile filth that I am now laboriously trudging out of.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff,

They comfort me.

Your prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

We Begin Again

It is very funny how things occur.


I have met with a delightful family in just these last few days and will begin watching their children in a little over a week's time. However, this was not the first hearing I recieved of this couple who were seeking child-care. A friend of mine mentioned to me, just after Thanksgiving, that she heard of a family who just moved back to the area from London, UK, that was looking for a nanny. At the time I wasn't sure that I wanted to attach my heart to another family and nearly set the idea completely aside.

As I posted last time, I just decided to re-enter child-care when I was told of this family once again from a totally different source. God has a perfect timeline and everything happening in it (which is everything) is done perfectly. He knew that my heart required a healing and provided for it just as He is providing now.

(Not to say that the infinite God responded to my decision but rather that His guidance is the reason for it.)

Though there is still growing and mending to be done, God has once again proven that He is over all that and more.

Blessings,

N.L. White

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To The Nanny Agency

On Friday of last week I made the decision to re-enter the child-care world. It was as if a message went out on the wind in many different directions. I called that day to speak to "The Nanny Connection" about an ad that they had placed in the paper and since that time I have not gone a day without an offer of employment.

My last post spoke of being a brave beginner and I have tried to be such in this time. I have, however, failed in the outward bravery department. I have had two interviews in the last two days and both have held questions that induced tears. The questions were about the last family I worked with. Perhaps I am seeing this step as the final one that says "I'm not going to work with them anymore."

Turn, Turn, Turn

"A beginning is always risky. It takes some courage to be a starter..."

-a fellow blogger

How many beginnings are thrown into our paths? Endless. Even the end of everything we know is a beginning to what is still somewhat a mystery.

I've recently began a job at a local retail store where I enjoy the people and don't mind the work. As I have commited to finishing out the Holidays with this store, the beginning is complete. However, there will be an end this arrangement. I don't know when or why but another beginning will be required then and new arrangements will be a must.

For one that dispises changes, there are many before me. There is a blessing in all of this. My God is in control. By saying "My God" the highlight is on His being over and even for me. He is faithful not only to meet my needs but to refuse the wants that will bring harm or shame to His glory.

Praise Him that He is careful to preserve His Glory and therefore faithful to those who are to bare it before the world.

-Christmas Blessings-

Science (Knowledge) of the Cross

There are many issues of conscience that the Believer may address: abortion, evolution, pornography, adultry, homosexuality, theft, murder, the lying tongue, empty religion. However, apart from calling one to recognize that he, himself is a sinner in need of the Saviour, they are not the forefront issue when addressing the unbeliever. In light of eternity these things are but trifles. Apart from calling one to repentance, addressing these things, even Biblically, thrusts nothing but hot air and empty words upon the unbelieving heart.

Though the "Gospel" is the good news of God and includes the whole of Scripture, an understanding of the events leading to the destruction of Sodom are not what serves as light to the path for men's souls into heaven's gates. Without the propitiation made by Christ the is no hope for the unbeliever, whatever his sin, no light that may shine into the darkness of men's hearts. Without His driven nails to break apart the barrier of sin that separates humanity from the love of God, we are left with nothing to penitrate the heart of stone which weighs the unbeliever down to the very depths of Hell.

A Brother-in-Christ, Steve Camp, has written on the Church's lack of penitrating involvement in the issues surrounding the AIDS virus. His point is that people need Christ whatever their situation.