JOY

Joy. What a powerful word. It is short with only 3 letters but yet in those 3 letters is much power. I really had not set out to write about anything today but a friend of mine keeps mentioning this word to me. In my review, I think it is because she & I are in a position to minister to so many people simply by bringing "Joy" in.

Read these scriptures about "Joy"...

• Acts 13:52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
• John 16:24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
• Romans 15:13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16Be joyful always;
• James 1:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
• Nehemiah 8:10 ... for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
• Proverbs 17:22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

These are just but a pinch of all the scriptures that speak of "Joy". Did you notice the truth God is giving us? Joy is must! We must always have Joy! No matter what the trials, Joy will be our strength. He will fill us up with Joy and we can freely give it to others. It can begin with you just choosing to smile. Smile to everyone you see today. You need no reason to have Joy other than the promises noted above from God. Look for ways to walk in Joy and to share/give Joy to others. A simple smile is where you can begin!

Joy to you!

Turning to God..

My heart has been on fire lately more than ever. I am not an eloquent writer, nor do I claim any education of the world as my strength. At the beginning of the first of this year, I once again fasted to give my focus and the first fruits of my year back to my heavenly Father. Once again I asked for His direction and appointment on my life. Once again, I know He answered.

Each of us have a calling on our life....a plan and a purpose so given by God. (Ephesians 1:11) Do you know what that is? Have you asked Him?

In my daily journaling, I hope to share with you words that He gives me. God has never used me in any other way but a direct punch. Be it in my own studies, words from God through others and even, yes, silly questionaires that claim to "know your calling by answering simple questions"...have all confirmed to me who I am. Let me say....I do not judge. That, thankfully, is left to God alone. What I do share is the Word of God. Simple yet direct.

Back to my title. What does it mean to "turn to God"? Lets begin with Acts 17. You read about Paul and his travels in Athens. He notices how many statues and idols that have been placed around the city. Many Jews are jealous and still not receiving Jesus nor the word of God regarding His life. Several Jews and God-fearing Greeks, however, were listening and welcomed Paul to share. Please take a moment and read up to verse 26....

In verse 26 we read:

• 26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'

My heart has been heavy lately in hearing how many followers of Christ are not seeking Him! They choose what they see as their own 'happiness' instead of what Christ has laid out for them. They seek to pay men.....MEN for guidance in their lives, rather than reach out to the Word of God & to Him by prayer. They continue to ignore those around them with whom they know are full of the wisdom of God's word. They want scholars and proven men of the WORLD to guide them. ARE THESE NOT IDOLS? Why do we tend to lean towards these idols and yet be offended at anyone who quotes the Word to us for guidance? Would not our creator KNOW what will make our life full?

Please...I ask you.... if you have turned to paying one with the worlds education to guide you in your walk in life... PLEASE....I ask you to fast. Seek God, ask Him to show you whether this may be an IDOL in your life. Ask Him to guide you and then read the "guide" He has given you...the Bible. For in it is the answer to every thing in your life.

Until tomorrow....blessings to you, my friends and family in Christ.

Fasting for my God

So.. on January 1, 2009, I began a fast with several others from my church and friendship circle. Many called it the Daniel fast...and in some ways it is because we are actually studying Daniel daily as we do this. However, it was not until I actually read Daniel that I realized I am not actually eating the same as Daniel did. Daniel 1:12 states that they ate only "pulse and water"-kjv (vegetables & water-niv). Pulse is described in the dictionary as : the edible seeds of various crops (as peas, beans, or lentils) of the legume family. Upon meditating all of this several things come to mind... 1)So many years have passed since Daniel's generation.. what exactly was pulse considered as then? 2)Do I truly believe every word of the Bible or do I feel there are things we may not understand because of the change of times. My decision for now... is that I truly believe every word of the Bible. Saying that, I believe Daniel and his 3 friends ate only seeds of various crops..mainly beans (legume) or maybe even nuts. It is amazing how this should play any real importance. It is not like I have heard God telling me to fast and what to fast. In this specific fast, I am really doing it out a since of tithing the first of my year to God. I am giving up things that bring me pleasure, although, these things have become so much of my life they are almost a part of me. I first went to a website called the Daniel fast. To my surprise, they to listed things that were not a part of Daniel's true fast either. When I read Daniel, it seems to me that this was his normal food intake. Yet when I do a full read of the Bible, I do not see where God places a command of what we are to eat. In every event that a specific diet is listed, there are issues that are going on with them.

Take the Garden of Eden where they were allowed to eat anything in the Garden except the Tree in the middle of the Garden called the "knowledge of good and evil"-Genesis 2:9, 16 & 17 This the first statement regarding food that man was to eat. No other foods mentioned. So are we to assume that God's perfect food is only that which comes from a tree? No carrots, corn, lettuce, ... Another place in the bible gives great reference to 'land flowing with milk and honey'-Deut 26:9 Would not God be promising this because it was a true blessing...one to be enjoyed? I mentioned all of this purely because of the argument as to what foods are given to us by God? It is another issue to take on later.

Back to my fast. I have heard many different individuals fasting different things. I for one have chosen during this fast to fast the following... All sugars, flours, chemicals, drinks other than water and juice, all animal products..meat,milk,cheese,eggs,etc., Sometimes I think giving up tv would be even more advantageous, although, food definitely has its health & weight (lol) benefits. Well.. for 21 days, well alone 40 which i did a fresh and raw before, should seem to be a piece of cake. It is amazing, however, that as soon as you say you can't have something...it seems to be the very thing that one's body craves the most. Your mind seems to dwell on it. The reason for my fast is for that very reason. I want to take my mind to dwell in Christ during those times and ALL times. We slowly let other things in our lives take weight over Him.

Here it is only the 10th day of this commitment. It is the beginning of the day and I have yet to go to bed. All I can think about is either cleaning or eating. It is my GOD that I want to focus on. It is only HIM that i want to keep my mind on...burn for, desire. I can eat so many other things yet I am fighting to not want those I have chosen not to eat. I guess if it was easy it would not be a just fast. It just amuses me how this simple task can make one struggle.

I have a busy schedule and I am going to drink my juice and go to bed. Hopefully I will continue this journaling and He will shine through in it. I love Jesus.......

Woman, mother, friend...

As one can see...my life has a tendency to take me over. I love to journal yet I allow life of this world to interrupt it.

My heart wants to go out to every woman out there. Your role as mother, friend, sister, wife...so many rolls. It can be hard to balance it all but in the end you turn your face to God, Pray, and strive to do as He would have you do in all your many roles.

My heart bleeds today for a story my child just shared. It appears that something that was said to another mother...was misunderstood by another. When we follow God's will...we can unfortunately be hated by others. Standing for God's righteousness and obeying Him has got to be more important that anything else in your life. I have learned that strongly when I left my parents home to pursue a relationship with JESUS. So many claim to want what Jesus wants in their life, yet only to turn their face against His word. My child is torn right now but I can only trust them to God. They know me...they know others....and they know JESUS. God holds us accountable for our actions and yet, at the same time, He shows great mercy for our errors. We have to stand for righteousness above all else. We must trust God in all adversity.

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15

Ephesians 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Lord...let the truth be known. If I have fallen short of your will and righteousness...forgive me, direct me, and make it right. I give it to you.

Right or Left?

Have you ever had to confront an issue concerning the right or left wing? You know, politics! I am, I feel, a true conservative. There are many different claims of conservative stands but I think they should claim a more moderate view. One such issue is being challenged here in the state of Oklahoma.

Recently a former classmate of mine posted on our high school web site how she was offended by one of our state officials, Sally Kern In her post she linked the actual recording of this woman's remarks towards homosexuals. Yes, my classmate is a lesbian. She is a great woman but I do disagree with her life choice. I would never, ever speak 'hate' talk but I am certain she would feel that not agreeing with her understanding of what this representative said would be supporting 'hate' talk. You be the judge.... listen to what she sent to me...do not get caught up in watching the video because it is not of the representative, only the voice recorded is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T_7s3x4JoQ

Did you watch it? What is your thoughts? If you do any search on Sally Kern, you will get a bunch of 'hate' links. I listened to it...expecting to hear someone 'claiming a walk with God (Christian)' but being hateful. That is not what I heard. People are making comments that she stated homosexuals are worse than terrorists. That is not the content of what she said. I truly heard her as a Bible reading, faith walking Christian. She did not say anything hateful or evil of the individuals who have chosen to live a lifestyle that God says is wrong (Romans 1).

My classmate friend ended her post with this statement... "to parents who raise their children to be accepting and loving of all others - THANK YOU!!!" Accepting & loving of all others? I believe that is me...but accepting that she chose that life does not mean I believe it is right or that God is good with it. Sin is sin...we all deal with it...but do we ask others to accept our sin we chose to walk in? NO ONE....absolutely NO ONE responded to her post. Nothing. Myself I feel if i do not agree with her, I will be posted as "judging, hate walking, not loving of all others." So do I post? No. If someone drinks to much and is an alcoholic...do we just say that is his choice, they were born that way? Do we support them? If someone cheats, do we support them? Is it ok? If we speak that it is not what God wants for their life...are we speaking hate? Come on my Christian friends.... we love the sinner (for which we all are) and we hate the sin. We MUST speak out against any sin but LOVE and reach out to the sinner to help them. Don't you want that for yourselves? Jesus died for your sin...the least we could do is be a friend to the sinner and help them learn how to stand with Jesus and turn away from sin.

Marriage

It amazes me how people view marriage. I am not certain that too many have the same vision. Even in my circle of family and friends, I only know of one or two that even has the same view as I do. In fact...many times I begin to be influenced by the majority and then when I turn to these 2 for their Godly council...I am quickly repentant and turn back to the understanding that I do believe with all my heart is God. Even though my husband and I have the same fundamental beliefs, we are not in agreement on everything.

Don't you find it interesting how when you are dating or have committed to the "one you love forever" that months or years after the wedding you realize.....questions you did not ask each other. Important questions like...How much money do you make? What are your financial plans? Where will we go to church? How will we make time for our families? Do you snore?

One of the first questions that was asked of me when I announced I was engaged was "so is the sex good?" I was shocked and they were even more shocked when I said that Mark and I gave our relationship to the Lord and would not sleep together until our honeymoon. It was their opinion that I had made a mistake. This was coming from a single parent mom. Before I met my husband, I had a few close relationships. Two of them, I could see marrying. I loved them and their families. The hardest thing about the break ups was not just missing the guy but missing his whole family. I finally realized that I needed to let God bring the man to me...and until there was a ring on my finger I would not allow my emotions to control me nor would I meet their family. In this decision, I experienced what I know is God being in control and yet there was a part that was digging her heals in the ground.

Recently I heard someone say something that I think I always knew but did not quite know how to put my finger on it. Soul ties are not what we are to have....Spiritual ties are. I have always felt that my husband fit the Spiritual list that I made with God. He does not always meet my flesh expectations but I have no doubt that God brought him into my life as my husband. We have many differences..sometimes they balance us out and some we battle with. Even with this belief, I have struggled many times in our marriage on whether it was right. I have been hurt so many times, deeply, that I just wanted out. If others can divorce and serve God, why can't I? God's own chosen people in the Bible struggled with their marriages. Why should I be different? Why should I work it through?

God hates divorce. (Malachi 2:16) Why do we make exceptions. God hates all sin yet we continue to make excuses for them. I watch as many of my friends come up with what they feel are sound reasons. Never mind what the word says or how it will affect their children & family. I have heard it all... neglect, affairs, "I never loved him", porn, verbal abuse, drugs, "She doesn't love me", no sex... I realize some of my friends will be reading this. How are we to grow if we do not discuss our lives and let God in? I hope this will help us all to learn and know more of what God wants for us.

I understand why many did not share their pain before they began to end their marriage in their hearts. I experienced that. Mark & I had an explosion in our marriage not too long after my son was born. I always knew somethings were not right with us but never actually knew exactly what. I shared with close friends of mine my pain...my fear...my thoughts. In that attempt to reach out to ones I believed would help me keep focused and steer me to God's word...I lost a close friend. It frightened her...the fears I shared and the pain I felt. She took my fears and shared them with others as 'truth'. I was even more broken. Was I stupid for believing in God and the words He told us to live by? Should I have not shared and kept it inside me? No. I am saddened that to this day this family is distant from us. Our children were good friends at one time...as well as the adults. I believe that friend had her own secrets that haunted her and that is why mine scared her. I still pray for her and believe that some day our relationship will be restored. None the less, I have taught my children that they must have a person, mentor, friend, that they confide in....someone that will not empathize or sympathize but take them to God's word no matter what. I have that. God always made sure I had that.

I must take a break for now. I will continue on this subject for a while. There are a few more out there that are contemplating what choices they have. Let me make myself clear before I go. You can call me anytime...day or night. I will pray with you. I will stand on God's promises with you. We are to DIE to ourselves and LIVE for Christ. He is the author of our lives. Whether we have a powerful effect in life or are just a silent servant of God...We must not let our minds be filled with anything other than God's word.

Voting 2008

How does a Christian vote? I have always been determined to never vote for a particular party. I want to commit to vote for who I think will best lead the position they are working in, no matter their party. As a Christian, however, I can not help but vote for someone that at least follows the simple understanding of the Bible. That being said... I believe God is the provider of all my needs (Phil 4:13). I am to be a good steward of my money he gives me and he will give me that which I need. I do not trust man for my money. I believe God wants me to vote towards his word the Bible. I do that to the best that is given me.

I wonder why we rarely have anyone to choose from other than individuals who have made a lifestyle out of being in politics. Both parties seem to only offer individuals that have been in politics for some time. I am not certain I can trust these individuals. Most of them speak of a walk that their voting record does not support and yet the public has available to them these individuals voting records and do not challenge them. The journalist fall more into the hands of their own opinion than offering actual facts. I am interested in how Christian's vote and how they made their decisions. I hate the way the media and certain people, tear apart our country. We are not seen as Americans but as racial Americans. We are either African, Native, Asian, Hispanic, or White. If USA is a "melting pot" of cultures and race...should we not drop this classification? What are white Americans? Are they European, Australian, or what? My family has Indian & German in it...yet none of it is 50% unless I go back 4 generations. I am an American. Family testimonies have gone through the wars and depressions of old. My father stood up against the 50's separation of black & white and refused to go where his friends were not welcomed. I am proud of who I am and the choices my family have taken. I am sad though to see my country still struggling with "classification wars" instead of just being Americans. In order to have decent candidates...we must get through this first. What do you think?