Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Hope everyone is doing well.  I wanted to say that I've updated my entry from March 13th.  Also, I feel God is teaching me a very important lesson about not assuming and being slow to have an opinion on things. 

Please know that my intention for this blog is to simply point people back to Jesus through the things He teaches me everyday.  I am far from perfect.  But if I am excited to learn, then why shouldn't I be excited to share with others? 

Well, God bless everyone, I'll be writing more later,

Love,

Lyss

Hello everyone. 

 

Teaching and being in the Youth Ministry has kept me busy for the most part.  However, I did want to write to let you know how everything is going. 

 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at house of a couple that have been friends with us for a few years but whom we had not seen in a year and a half or so.  It is amazing how God is the uniting factor in all of our lives.  No matter how long it has been, I apreciate their welcoming and forgiving arms toward us. 

 

The day after thanksgiving we purchased 1 thing online from Black Friday.  Then we did somethings around the house and (since we had the rest of the week off from school) we rested some of the time and also decorated for Christmas. 

 

Our house now looks like Christmas time.  I can not wait to put up the christmas lights on the outside too.  Everywhere in town you can see the Christmas decorations.  I love this time of the year so much.

 

As far as snow....None here.  But last week the weather was really cold.  This week however, it is not.  I can not wait until it gets cold again.  Since I am now coming out of my cold/flu.

 

Anyway, that is all for now.  Have a great week.  Hopefully I will be able to write again before Christmas.  If not Merry Christmas everyone!

 

God Bless,

L

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Hello everyone:

I looove my teaching job for a lot of reasons.  For one, I have flexibility (for the most part) to choose jobs when I can or can't teach.  I say for the most part because I am committed to a 6 week teaching period that I'm hoping won't start until the last week of October.... :) ... <>

Anyway, I have taken this priviledge and used it to travel twice now to help my friend Val move to SC.  It is a beautiful place.  There were some tense moments (who doesn't have these in a move, let-alone a state to state move) and some sad moments (Like saying goodbye :(   ...sniffle ...sniffles), But all in all it was a great trip. 

I was there a week and a few days and flew back home two weeks ago.  Only to catch up and go to an in-state trip to Melbourne for a week!  (Business trip). 

So...in the midst of coming and going and of staying sane, I am also handling home, few last closing of business details and doing some home improvement jobs, laundry, church, bills, teaching, birthday parties for family, youth and dealing with some family situations.  FULL plate! 

Anyway, Just wanted to update on why I've been gone so much.  I am trying to take jobs at the school as often as possible to make money for a vacation (with my husband this time!), and for of course...Christmas!

Please now join me in a prayer for our week/month:
Things to pray for: 
North Korea, Blessings on America, Our leaders, Youth of America, Wisdom for us in the mean time, a safe holiday season, safe trips, blessings on fellow business friend  (personal request), wisdom for priorities and for doing a great job in everything we do, my dad (personal request), my friend Veronica and Ryan (worried about them).

God bless everyone,
in Christ's Love,
L

• Comments (2) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Hello everyone!

 

I am so greatful for God in my life!  Even through the hard times He is there faithfully.  I am sitting in "my classroom" during my "planning period".  I was hired to be a substitute teacher at the Christian School that my husband teaches in.  This job is such a tremendous blessing!  I feel so blessed to have it! 

 

This morning I felt so refreshed by the devotions given by the Homeroom teacher!  I was able to refresh my spirits after hearing him.

 

I went to a private Christian school when I was little and let me tell you; it was just like I remembered!  I felt the love that teachers shared with me when they spoke to me about Jesus and I felt the Spirit just ministering to each of the children!  From the 7th grade to the 5th to the 2nd grade, every student was such a blessing to me.  It was like seeing myself in class.  A zillion happy childhood memories were recalled and my eyes welled up when I stopped to think that I was singing and learning the same things.  Also, yesterday going to Chapel was yet another memory. 

 

In my native country we speak Spanish, and since I was the spanish teacher's substitute I got to sing songs with the 2nd graders that I had sung as a little child too.  It was so special to me to hear:  <> "Pollito: chicken, gallina: Hen, Lapiz: pencil y pluma:pen, Ven-ta-na: window, Puerta:door, maestra: teacher y piso:floor"   I hadn't sang that song in ages! 

 

Furthermore, something was confirmed in my heart today!  I am called to be a teacher!  There are no 2 ways about it!  I always thought I was meant to teach but have always been unsure of myself.  Today, I felt that joy again that I felt for 9 years when teaching Sunday School.  Furthermore, I love teaching Spanish.  It's soooo cool.

 

I mean, I understand that I am just a Substitute teacher right now.  I know I don't have my BS and that it means that I can't be a regular teacher.  However, this experience makes me desire my degree!  No special age group!   

I enjoy teaching and being a good positive influence!  Having said this, I will say that I don't think that I would be called to teach in a regular school.  I am definately a better teacher when I am free to help children to know Jesus or to learn in a responsible and Godly way.  I would get into too much "trouble"  in a public-secular school setting.  Plus, I wouldn't enjoy it as much. 

 

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here.  I pray that I may do a great job for the Lord.  It's such a responsibility to be in front of these children and help them in their lives as they begin their walk with Christ.

 

Lord, I pray that you restore the joy and purpose of those that are homeschooling!  They are also doing your work!  I know that I'll enjoy homeschooling my children if You Lord choose to give us children some day!  Also, Lord, give patience, love and endurance to those teachers that are called to teach in regular schools.  They are serving the World.  May they be good examples of how to stand firm for you.  Thank you again God, for this opportunity.  May I be used by you Lord for your purpose. 

 

In Jesus Name; Amen

Hello everyone!

 

I am so greatful for God in my life!  Even through the hard times He is there faithfully.  I am sitting in "my classroom" during my "planning period".  I was hired to be a substitute teacher at the Christian School that my husband teaches in.  This job is such a tremendous blessing!  I feel so blessed to have it! 

 

This morning I felt so refreshed by the devotions given by the Homeroom teacher!  I was able to refresh my spirits after hearing him.

 

I went to a private Christian school when I was little and let me tell you; it was just like I remembered!  I felt the love that teachers shared with me when they spoke to me about Jesus and I felt the Spirit just ministering to each of the children!  From the 7th grade to the 5th to the 2nd grade, every student was such a blessing to me.  It was like seeing myself in class.  A zillion happy childhood memories were recalled and my eyes welled up when I stopped to think that I was singing and learning the same things.  Also, yesterday going to Chapel was yet another memory. 

 

In my native country we speak Spanish, and since I was the spanish teacher's substitute I got to sing songs with the 2nd graders that I had sung as a little child too.  It was so special to me to hear:  <> "Pollito: chicken, gallina: Hen, Lapiz: pencil y pluma:pen, Ven-ta-na: window, Puerta:door, maestra: teacher y piso:floor"   I hadn't sang that song in ages! 

 

Furthermore, something was confirmed in my heart today!  I am called to be a teacher!  There are no 2 ways about it!  I always thought I was meant to teach but have always been unsure of myself.  Today, I felt that joy again that I felt for 9 years when teaching Sunday School.  Furthermore, I love teaching Spanish.  It's soooo cool.

 

I mean, I understand that I am just a Substitute teacher right now.  I know I don't have my BS and that it means that I can't be a regular teacher.  However, this experience makes me desire my degree!  No special age group!   

I enjoy teaching and being a good positive influence!  Having said this, I will say that I don't think that I would be called to teach in a regular school.  I am definately a better teacher when I am free to help children to know Jesus or to learn in a responsible and Godly way.  I would get into too much "trouble"  in a public-secular school setting.  Plus, I wouldn't enjoy it as much. 

 

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here.  I pray that I may do a great job for the Lord.  It's such a responsibility to be in front of these children and help them in their lives as they begin their walk with Christ.

 

Lord, I pray that you restore the joy and purpose of those that are homeschooling!  They are also doing your work!  I know that I'll enjoy homeschooling my children if You Lord choose to give us children some day!  Also, Lord, give patience, love and endurance to those teachers that are called to teach in regular schools.  They are serving the World.  May they be good examples of how to stand firm for you.  Thank you again God, for this opportunity.  May I be used by you Lord for your purpose. 

 

In Jesus Name; Amen

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Romas 8:28

"28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,^[a] who^[b] have been called according to his purpose."

 

There is a cycle that is difficult to break in our society.  When a father (being human) makes mistakes and then due to those he turns away from God and leaves his family, he is not only harming himself, but also his children.  This scenario then has an open door for disaster.  The child grows up learning that giving up is the thing to do.  They grow up either wanting to be the opposite of their father and hating him, or falling into their same mistakes for their own family.

 

I've had to learn about this the hard way!  No, I'm not a father.  I'm not even a mother.  Just a daughter who is hurting and can't sleep at 1:58 AM.  The daughter of a father-less father who has never himself accepted the un-conditional love of his own Heavenly Father!

 

God is our heavenly Father.  But because of our freedom of choice, we sometimes don't want to accept Him.  He has unconditional love for us.  It is an un-meritted love since we are such imperfect beings. It is a love that never ends even if our life ends and it is also a love that forgives to the end and does not depend on feelings.  Love that would give up His own son for us to be closer to Him.  Love that is like 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: 

 

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 8Love never fails.

But I digress...if all of us read our Bibles more, we would find out that inspite of what we don't understand, God is truly love.  Even when we don't feel loved by Him, and bad things happen, He is still love!  My husband came home from a bible study tonight and shared with my hurting mother, sister and myself about a verse that he felt he needed to share.  It is found in Romans 8:28 and I have started this blog entry with it because it is exactly what I need to remind myself of in times like these when I don't know how to apply God's love! 

 

It's very hard to understand love, let alone God's love when we are sad and angry at things that happen to us.  I mean, how can a Loving Father, do something to harm someone, when they are supposed to be Loving?  Say a small prayer in your heart that you may understand what God's spirit means and then re-read Romans 8:28.  How does a father do something good for us, if it doesn't feel like it is good to us? 

 

I'm not sure how many of you are fathers out there.  But what would happen if your child did something wrong?  Something that not only scared you but also something that is so bad that you want to make sure that they never make that mistake again.  For their OWN GOOD...You as their father, would probably reprimand them in some way...whatever way you feel is best, you will either scold them, punish them, or discipline them.  He was doing what is "good for" his child even if the child didn't take it as a 'good' thing.

 

However, how did you (that is now a father) feel when you were the child yourself and got disciplined by your father?  You probably felt the way every child does during those times.  The feeling is that of thinking that the discipline wasn't fair, and that the father was not being "good to" you or didn't love you.

 

So having said this example, now we come to the part where we think about all the times that our Heavenly Father (God), has allowed things to happen to us that didn't seem loving.  It may have been an accident or a death. 

 

For me, it has been things like illness, or not being able to have children, or even just seeing my father's struggle.  It is in those times that you wonder:  "what are you doing to me God?  This isn't good to me?  This stinks and hurts and I'm angry at you!  Don't you love my father?  Can't you help him?  Don't you love me"?  Do any of these thoughts sound familiar to you?  You know what though, He is able to get us out of situations, but the best option is when He chooses to let us go through things to help us learn and grow through them.  He is there with my dad though, whether I remember this or not.  I have to know that even if my dad will not aknowledge God, God loves my father even more than I could ever love him, and He IS there with him and God already has paid the price for forgiveness and now it is Dad's choice to choose God and to believe and let Him in. 

 

Going back to that verse at the begining of the entry:  What is good for me?  What is good for dad?  Well, if this situation will bring him to the end of his own strength and he chooses to love God and walk by His calling and purpose, then He will have an awesome testimony and the wait would be worth it and God will be glorified!  That would be the scenario in which things "work out for dad's good".  This is also ultimately what God wants of dad.

 

If he does not choose to love God, and thinks that he can just continue on to do things on his own and pushing away any help, then he has made a terrible choice that makes it harder for any of us to love him.  What's in it for dad then?  Well, that verse says that this promise is ONLY for those that choose to "love God and are called to His purpose".

 

Have you ever felt that you loved God?  Have you ever felt that His purpose through Jesus was so right that you felt called to follow that purpose?  Then that verse applies to you.  As long as dad chooses the opposite, that verse does not apply.  Then things will not work for Dad's good, even though life may seem 'good' to him at times.

 

It is then that I realize that just like I can't force my dad to do something how I would do it because I love him, and trust me I love my dad, God will never take away our freedom of choice.  My father has a free will.  He wants to do whatever pleases him. 

 

As for me, I can't continue to take on that hurt.  I can't continue to hurt for him making the wrong choices!  No, not wrong choices according to me.  Wrong choices according to God's word...The Bible.  

 

I remind myself that it is not my fault!  There is nothing I can do that I haven't done already.  My words have come in one ear and out the other.  His heart was so hardened that the things I was saying out of love and my urgency to help him may not have sounded loving.  

 

"Well, isn't it Ironic?  Don't you think"?  ; /  I may never really know the reasons why he is so deaf to what we say.  But I can't continue to take it inwardly.  I can't continue to think of what if's.  I can't continue to cry at night as I see pictures of when he had things together and reminise of the times when his family was the most important thing to Him.

 

This hurts me because I feel that he is become selfish and only cares about meeting his own needs.  (Very liberalistic mentality if you ask me)!  But why should I be surprised, right?  After all, that is all anyone these days wants?  It is taught and understood in this world today, that as long as you are content anything goes. 

 

I love him so much that it hurts to see him being this way and it also hurts him.  He hurts for the realization of what his choices have done.   Though he is not the only one at fault, as head of his household it is his responsibility to keep his family.  But his family is now falling apart.  There is only sadness in his voice now.  I know that my love for him will lift him up just a little.  But that is the point of this long entry. 

 

I've taken on a lot of pain from his choices and from that cycle I described earlier.  See, his father left him when he was 6 years old.  He was raised by another family though and did have a father.  Even if his real or foster fathers were or were not Godly influences, he still had plenty of opportunity from then to now (he is 59), to learn from those mistakes and pray to not fall into those same traps. 

 

In fact a few years ago when it all started, he had a dream that terrified him:  He dreamed that someone was driving a car out of control and that he was in the passenger seat scared out of his mind.  In his dream however, he himself was the person driving also, and he was afraid even of his own face and how he looked not like himself but like an out of control version of him that seemed to be taking over the wheel to destroy him.  (Makes me appreciate the song by Carrie Underwood:  Jesus take the wheel even the more)!

 

Inspite of that realization, he made his choice to throw caution to the wind and act selfishly.  Don't get me wrong; I act selfish sometimes.  Who doesn't?  Also, I do want him to be happy.  However, in life it's not what mistakes we make, but how we get back up after making those that help us to be happier. 

 

Now, without getting into too much detail; my dad has made some mistakes not only in leading his family and respecting his wife, but as we now come to find out, he has also been keeping a double life.  These mistakes are hard to forgive, especially for an imperfect person like myself who struggles to understand.  In fact, they are hard things to overcome not only for me but my mother and sister.  I love them too though, and this makes it harder to love dad, since he is hurting them also. 

 

What do I do?  How do I love a person who I'm angry at, but love so dearly.  How do I not get upset at him when I see that love that he can't see because of his state.  I miss my dad, but it has only been about a month since I last saw him, and a day since I last spoke to him.  I miss the way he was.  I miss his love for me.  I miss our family.  That feeling of family is gone now. 

 

That is when I remind myself of what the meaning of love is.  Patient, kind, does not keep record of wrong?  WOW.  I mean even if you were not to believe in the Bible you have got to believe these love verses if you've ever been in-love.  The first thing you are is patient, kind, and forgiving to your mate! 

 

But it is a choice, a hard one at that, to choose to do these things, and this further proves (as I spoke about in an earlier blog entry) that 'Love' is truly always a choice.  

 

Now I ask you:  How do you choose to love those who wronged you?  It's tough!   This is not what we are taught.  In fact, just the opposite!  However,  as you will read in:  Mattew 5:43-45

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies^[b] and pray for those who persecute you,"

 

That commandment is telling me to CHOOSE to love my 'enemies'.  No further explanation is needed on that one! 

 

"Dear Father God ...worthy is your great name; please help me to love and take care of my father inspite of all that has happened.  Please keep him safe.  Help me to help him or to step aside and let you work.  Truth is, I will be better off leaving Dad in your very capable hands....Lord, my prayer for him is that he will realize that you re there as his father who loves him no matter what and that he will realize that it's never too late.  I pray for his repentance to you.  I pray for a restored family.  In Jesus' name I pary...Amen"

 

Well, thanks for reading on!  Have a great week everyone.

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the long abscence.  I've been trying to work out the details of the closing of our business.  It's a bitter-sweet thing to have to do.  See, on the one hand it is great not to have to travel so long to go to work anymore.  It's great that I don't have to work.  However, on the other hand I had to deal with feelings of failure, and unrealized dreams. 

Through it all however, God has been a constant help.  He has provided a person to take over the lease at the office so that we aren't personnally liable!  That is such a relief!  I'm just praying that the transition goes smooth.

He has provide Jesse with a wonderful job!  Not an easy job by any means, but a job that God intended Jesse do at this point in our lives.  He is a school teacher at a local Christian school (5 minutes away)!  I pray every day that God equips him and that God's grace and favor is upon him, and that God will keep him Safe and grant him wisdom to deal with the kids.  Also, this job makes it so that I don't have to work outside of the home.  It will be just enough to make it.

All in all we feel really blessed and feel that this is all a confirmation of God's will for us.  Everything has fallen into place.  From the house, to the job, to the closing of the previous chapter.  God has provided and we are so exited about what He continues to work out for us. 

I challenge you to pray for God's ultimate will in your life.  I challenge you to follow it!  It's not easy!  But knowing that God is smoothing things out before you is a comfort that you can take pride in.

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Hello everyone!

 

Just writing to update everyone on our last few weeks.  We are seriously enjoying Homeownership.  However there is a LOT to do with a house.  I don't just mean the mowing of the lawn and the cleaning inside.  I mean the raking, planting, pressure washing, leaf blowing, tree trimming, caulking, spraying, painting, etc. etc.

 

That's beside trying to un-pack and settle in.  NEVER-THE-LESS it is AWESOME!  We feel truly blessed. 

 

Everyday we are now just breathing and taking it all step by step.  Just trying to get things done slowly and just trying to be faithful to get things accomplished without getting overwhelmed. 

 

Not just that, but we are also trying to lean on God for wisdom when it comes to financials.  We know that God has provided a home for us and that He will provide.  But when things are tight it is difficult to know how things are going to pan out.  :)

 

But as we depend on The Lord more we realize that it doesn't matter how it will happen.  That we don't really have to know or care.  He will take care of it.  So my new prayer in the morning is Lord I pray I may not worry.

 

I hope that you are having a wonderful week.  Please post to let me know what is going on in your home and if there is anything I can do to help or pray with you.

 

God bless,

L

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

(Thank you for visiting my blog.  This one ended up being a little long!   Feel free to re-read later when you have time if you can’t finish it).

 

Hello all.... 

 

I am by way of this blog officially denying myself of ear holes…for now!  (until my ears totally heal and maybe I'll try again in a year or two).  I had gotten my ears pierced in November of last year when I went to Washington State with my sister.

 

However, after all this time my ears where too high maintenance for me.  Don't get me wrong...I do clean my ears after every shower and I'm very particular about them.  But the added inconvenience of having to use Hydrogen Peroxide every night past the usual "6-8 week healing period". 

 

You may ask me:  "What would happen if you didn't keep babying them"?  To which I answer:  "one of two things would happen if I neglected my ears; one you don't REALLY want me to share, the other is that the earring hole would bleed".  : D  It's almost like my ears have refused to heal on the inside!  The strange thing is that on the outside it seemed to be quick to heal; when I left out my earrings for only 1 night (to let them rest), the back of the earring hole would close up and I couldn't find where to close the earring. 

Ok-So now you are probably scratching your head wondering why on earth I chose to tell you all this.  In fact this is probably the thought that crossed your minds:  "Why are you writing this on your blog?  Big deal!  So, you had a problem adjusting to earrings?"

 

Part of this blog is expressing my mind about life events, and how they teach me lessons about God's word.  Well…

 

Even though most women have their ears pierced at infancy; I didn't.  My mother believed that it was against God's laws to wear earrings/ or any jewelry -for that matter.  To an extent; I also had a conviction about it that may have stemmed from my up-bringing.  However, I decided as an adult (last year) that I would do an inward examination of my reasons for wanting ear rings. 

 

So after coming out of a strong Fundamentalist Pentecostal church; I decided to really do a Bible study and experience for myself this "dogma" to see what God really wanted me to know about this.  It wasn’t until now that I understood.

 

Was I not getting earrings because of my own conviction?  Was I wanting to get earrings because I wanted to be “normal for once” or to “keep up with the Joan’ses”?   Was I wanting earrings to help me “feel better” about myself, or to look pretty?  Was it an excuse to lift up my self esteem?  Should I worry about other’s opinions of me, or what God thinks of me?  I learned a lot from a familiar verse that I didn’t realize before applied to so much in my life.

 

Many times in my life I had read over the (often mis-quoted) verse from 1 Timothy 2:9 that says:   

            9"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

I looked up some commentary on this verse in biblegateway.com and found out what some theologians think about it.  (These people have done longer studies and read other parts of the Bible that support their understanding, better than mine).  Here is part of what they had to say about it: 

 

 ..."Women who profess the Christian religion, must be modest in apparel, not affecting gaudiness, gaiety, or costliness. Good works are the best ornament; these are, in the sight of God, of great price. Modesty and neatness are more to be consulted in garments than elegance and fashion. And it would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and their children. To do this in a manner unsuitable to their rank in life, and their profession of godliness, is sinful"...

 

Here is what God spoke to me through this short study:  God wants me to be modest and a good steward of His time and His money, and if I have dedicated my life to serving him then my life is a reflection of Him and I should represent Him well.  (I say "His" because I don't control how much time I have on this earth -though I am a steward over time, and it is always God's provision for me to have the ability to hold a job or have an income).

 

So, God is not really telling me:  "Told you!  No earrings for you!  That's for disobeying me!" ; ) LOL-I crack myself up sometimes.  He is allowing this teaching in His Word to let me know to be careful of my intentions; to have the right mindset, and to know what is important in life, to not get caught up in the meaningless things, to be careful what things I do with my money and my time and the impression I give in this world to others. 

 

This also brought other questions to my mind:  Does this mean that if someone that is rich/or well-to-do gets an expensive car or something:  Is that a bad thing?  Not necessarily.  What was their heart behind getting it?  Could they afford it?  Did they think of what matters first?

 

If someone who is poor/or has a tight budget buys an expensive car that they want in place of a sufficiently efficient car that they need; is this a bad thing?  According to God's word it would be; (because I am not the judge...and God's word is:  it doesn't matter what I believe).    But God would want them to think of what matters first!  They would want to be good stewards of the money they are provided.

 

I'm happy for people that get new cars/or anything that is better/bigger for their family and that are efficient for them.  In fact, my sister and her husband just bought an SUV/minivan type car.  But when I asked them about it, they assured me that they could comfortably make those payments.  So, then my concern for my sister's well-being was appeased! 

God's laws and "suggestions" aren't to keep us from doing things.  We should NEVER feel imprisoned by the things that God would have us do...but rather do things FOR God; TO HONOR HIM, TO REPRESENT HIS NAME WELL (AS CHRISTIANS) BECAUSE we are thankful to Him FOR HIS TRUTHS.  What truths are these?  The Bible, His Word is truth. 

 

B.I.B.L.E. --"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"! **

 

**Benefits of these suggestions of God's word: 

 

-How much better will we live in this world with others if we care enough about our neighbors to be good examples? 

 

-How much easier would life be if we let the creator give us True wisdom on what is good for us in the end?  In everything:  big decisions, spending money, small decisions, etc. etc.  (After all He knows the future)!

 

-How much better would this world be if All Christians really represented Christ for all that The Bible says about Him?  (Instead of "Christians" who constantly don't care/realize that they cut off people on the road, or use swear words that offend, etc. etc.  Also, how would Jesus feel about that if He heard them saying it?  Do they not know that This God is everywhere?  The forces of this world want us to slander, and fall all the time, because he wants to bring down the Good Name of Jesus.  He wants us to mess up God's name so that people will point their fingers at us saying:  "If that's a Christian..I don't want anything to do with that?". 

 

-GOD has our best interest at heart! - The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

 

So you see, God does not want to keep me from wearing earrings.  Perhaps, though he wants to teach me through this experience.  I believe that He has.  I believe that he has allowed me to see the “big picture” put all the puzzle pieces together for me in my life through this “little” situation.  He has “filled the hole”-LOL- for me with regard to my conscience. 

 

Will I ever get my ears pierced again?  Maybe I will.  But at least this time I will do examine my heart for the right reasons.  I will stick to any convictions that I may have based on how God is dealing with me in my life.  This next time, I would be doing it consciously knowing that “looking great” is not the only or most important thing in life. 

 

This speaks to me in a variety of different areas of my life.  Not just about the earrings...  But one thing it helps about is my true battle with loosing weight.  I will now examine my heart for why I do things.  God looks at the heart, right?  Not at the outside! 

 

Therefore; Is my heart right with God?   Everything that goes to the heart comes in through our minds so:  Am I putting into my heart the right things?  What things do I think on?  Do I get down about being over-weight?  Do I continually feel bad about my state?  Does it over-whelm me to the point where I feel bad and discouraged?  Can I help others around me if I’m walking around discouraged and down on myself?  How can I help other if I can’t help myself? How can I help myself loose weight, if I am down?

 

Why is it that I haven’t lost weight?  Perhaps it is due to not having the right reasons or because I haven’t focused my energy on what really matters.  I should loose weight naturally by just being conscious of what I put into my body.  By wanting to eat healthy!  It should be a by-product; not the driving force of “wanting to look good”.

 

God’s opinion of me is the first thing I want to care about!  That’s who I want to like me most.  He wants me to be healthy and to have good thoughts in this life.  He wants me to appreciate His Word.  He wants me to be thankful and think on the eternal things.  He wants me to have a good outlook and a healthy esteem.  He wants me to help others also. 

 

His Word says in:  Philippians 4:8 

8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

He also says in His word in Matthew 6:25:

 

25 “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

 

So if this helps you to examine yourself for things that might help you; then I pray God will give you wisdom to know what “little” things in your life reflect a lesson from Him for you.

 

God Bless,

 

 

 

Hello everyone:

I know I haven't written in a while.  I've been getting a lot of work done in OUR new place.  : D  (Can you see the grinn on my face)!

We closed 2 weeks ago and have been painting and un-packing since.  In fact, I can't take long because my hubby needs help with that right now. 

Our appliances are white...BUT I LOVE THEM!!!  Looking back on the whole thing.  After not getting the other houses we had wanted to get after 2 and a half years of looking; we have come to realize that I don't know anything at all.  I say this because:  I had made such a big deal of deciding on the color of my appliances (wanting black appliances, instead of beige --see my post on the appliance thing) but God knew that I wasn't getting that house or those appliances.  God knew better and I think He might have even been chuckling to Himself about my ordeal. 

My new appliances are so much better than what I would have ever gotten through the other house sales that we had been pending.  For those of you just starting to read my blog for the first time:  We had a hard time being able to buy a house...because we kept praying for God to close the door if it wasn't for us, and HE kept on answering our prayers! 

This house is a bigger house (about 1500 sq. ft -3 bedrooms /2 baths), the lot is larger and has a circular driveway and the appliances are upgrades and are still new.  The house has wood floors, brand new remodeled master bath.  Large master bedroom.  Beautiful mature trees for shade.  Large shed in the back, (complete with a brand new JOHN DEERE RIDING MOWER, a older grill, Pressure washer, leaf blower) & brand new AC...tons of closet space, re-done roof   All for under $128,000.00!!!! (Which is less than any house we had been looking at)!!!!!

OH MAN! I still can't believe it.  I mean the bank owns it...don't get me wrong....but it is such a HUGE blessing that we certainly don't deserve and I mention it only to TESTIFY OF GOD'S will being MUCH better than our own. 

If I could yell a the top of our roof for all to hear (I could but I'd probably be arrested for disturbing the peace...LOL); I would say:  "GOD IS GOOD!  LOOK WHAT HE HAS DONE!  WHEN HE CLOSES A DOOR HE CERTAINLY OPENS ANOTHER!"

To my readers I say:  Don't get down because you feel that something is not going the way that YOU want it.  Instead, pray that God will close the doors (that HE ONLY knows) you should not go through, even if you really want to go through those doors. 

Sometimes we can be stubborn.  I was certainly being that way.  It took God closing the door on several homes before He would bring about the peace that He was working on something better.  Ask God to show you where He wants you and pray that He helps you to LISTEN to His guideance in everything in your life.

God bless,
Lyssie

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

I had a wonderful week this past: *personal-holiday* week.  : P Thank you to everyone who sent me a card and warm wishes.

 

We should be closing on our house mid week so please keep that in prayer. 

 

Thank you also for praying for my mom.  God is continuing to work with all of us about eating better and getting healthier. 

 

I hope all of you have a great week! 

Posted in Thought provoking Picture of the Day

****THE FOLLOWING TURNED OUT TO BE A HEAVY TOPIC THAT IS NOT INTENDED FOR THE WEAK HEARTED*IT ALSO MAY TAKE YOU A WHILE TO READ, SO I SUGGEST READING HALF NOW AND HALF LATER***

 

 

Hello everyone!  Hope that everyone had a beautiful Resurrection Sunday!  (I do prefer to call it that, since the word "Easter"  is known to mean something totally different and to me it conjures memories to people that take the focus off of Jesus). 

 

I'm not saying that it is "bad" to celebrate Easter with your family.  I'm saying that if you knew where "Easter" originated, you'd be shocked (as I was) to know that "Easter" and "Resurection Sunday" were once not one of the same.  Furthermore, "Easter" comes from an occult past and it was originally done to celebrate a pagan god, which makes it be far from being a Christian holiday at all.  Also, seeing how America puts the "bunny" center stage, and how even in a lot of Sunday schools there is more 'decorating-the-eggs' activities than teaching about Christ makes me not want to associate the two in my mind at all.

 

If you don't believe me, you should try this next time you are in a mall or around little children; ask a child --any age-- "what is easter to you"?  Most children, will tell you what their innocent minds have been fed.  Easter eggs, egg hunts, easter bunny, candy, and baskets are the staple of what this holiday represents to many. 

 

From having taught Sunday school for many years, I can tell you that if you teach a child the correct way they will never forget! (Proverbs)  This is also why if you don't teach them truths about Christ they will forever only remember those brightly colored eggs and taking pictures sitting on the lap of 'who-knows-who's lap at the mall (dressed as a bunny).  Same with Santa Claus and Halloween's.  When Jesse and I are blessed with children we will teach our children the truth.  If they want to celebrate Spring, then we will maybe entertain the idea of having a family picnic on the first day of spring, as opposed to taking the memory of Jesus being alive away from them.  But I digress...

 

I originally wanted to update everyone on what is going on with us.  Jesse and I had a wonderful week/weekend.  Plans of getting the house are still going good.  We pray that it may be God's will to ultimately let us have this house.  We are hoping that the long road of wanting to become owners again can lead us to a home of our own....never-the-less, may His will be done...not mine.  Jesse's mom was in town this weekend and we had a wonderful time with her.  I will tell you about the entire weekend but I will start with talking about Sunday and making my way back up as to not leave anything out and because it just flows better that way. 

 

The message by our pastor at church on Sunday was awesome.  Jesse's mom didn't go with us that time, since she had to get back home early enough to avoid all the holiday traffic.  After church on Resurrection Sunday we went to our friend's home to eat a bountiful Ressurection Sunday meal, then relaxed at home. 

 

Jesse's mom, was with us Saturday and we went to a winery/vineyard in a close by town.  It was cool!  We got to see how a vinyard is kept and how they make sure to get the best fruit possible.  I didn't want to taste any because I prefer not to ever drink...(my personal commitment)....but it's amazing how many different types of wines people come up with from the same grapes!  According to her they all taste slightly different.

 

After this, Vivian bought Jesse a KEYBOARD with stand!!!  Finally Jesse owns a musical equipment!  He's always wanted to learn music...so we can play and sing together.  This is a very nice keyboard, with light-up keys that turn red to teach you music!  We are soo excited to move-in to the new place so that we can have our very own music/hobby room!

 

We went to the mall a few times during the weekend...but on Friday Vivian got me a set of outfits for my soon-to-come Bday.  NOT TELLING YOU WHEN!

 

On Thursday, we had a Traditional Seder celebration meal at church and we were blessed by having a non-Christian-Jew with us there, (that is; one that is not a self-proclaimed Christian) -In our church there are 3 confirmed Messianic-Jews -(meaning self-proclaimed Christian Jews -including Jesse himself -Jesse's mom & dad are Jewish).  However, Jesse's mom honored us by attending this Seder with us.  It was a true blessing for us both.  If you don't know what a Seder is, please read the following note:

 

Seder (also known as Haggadah):  Is a passover meal shared by Jewish families.  It is a meal that has meaningful traditional foods that remind Jews of God the Father bringing them through the plagues and delivering them from Egypt.  (See Exodus & Deutoromy).  Also, it is known that Jesus's last Supper was a Seder celebration in itself, in other words, that last meal Jesus ate with His disciples was actually their Jewish celebration of Seder.

 

See:  http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm

 

That was our weekend in a nutshell!  After having such a good weekend, I was disapointed to hear some of the ever-growing negative things in the news! 

I got to hear about how "PRIDE" groups decided to go to the traditional "Easter Egg hunt" at the White House on Sunday.  

 

I'm convinced that people don't know the meanings of love.  (For more on this see my blog on Love in the Archives).  I believe Love is a choice not a feeling....I also believe that the Bible says that very same thing all through it (Ask me for scripture references).  There are 4 love....but the world only thinks of one...the EROS...which is where LUST comes from. 

Somehow, the others are forgotten but yet those are the most important.  This world will have us believe that "LOVE" is uncontrollable, that love is a "feeling" that you have to surrender to and be moved to.  But you see; first of all which love do they refer to?  (They are refering to "eros" because it is the one thought to relate to relationships between couples) not brotherly love.  I don't love my mother and father the way I love my husband.  Secondly, not only is it not the same type but also IT IS CONTROLLABLE.  

 

ALL love is controllable!  IT IS NOT ABOUT FEELINGS!  EVEN EROS!!!  I am personally convinced of this because as part of my testimony; God used 3 different people -at different times to pre-tell me God's own message to me about waiting for this relationship that I have treasured for almost 5 years now.  God actually was telling me to wait!  To put my feelings aside and wait!  That means that no matter how I FELT about my cute boyfriend (at the time; now my husband); I had to CONTROL myself and WAIT.

 

Our feelings can be up or can be down...if love was about a 'feeling', then there might be times that I just don't love my husband because I have a pain????  If Jesse and I had been SELFISH enough to let our "FEELINGS" guide our CHOICE to love each other (when we said "I DO"), we might already be divorced!  No my friends.  God calls us to control our feelings.  God calls us to control our choices.  God calls us to obey Him! 

 

It is a choice you see, it's up to us to love people also.  This love the Bible talks about here is a different type of love (more on this in a few weeks).  We are told to 'choose' to love our enemies.  It doesn't just happen....in fact it's hard for us to do it!  But we have to choose it!

 

Having said this; you can understand why it is always our choice who we LOVE....and EVEN; what gender we choose to love!  Confusion sets in and people mistake liking a friend who is great and has things in common with the "eros" love.  They begin to think of them differently but instead of pushing away their throughts (or as the Bible says:  Taking every thought captive --which I believe are influenced thoughts by both society and the ruler of evil--); they surrender to their feelings without thought to what God wants for them and may of them think they were meant to be different; or that God made a mistake in their gender.  Confusion sets in.  (This is only one of the ways).

 

People get confused early in life because of the rampant evil out there being mixed with good.  People that they trusted may have hurt them and this may have caused them to doubt GOD's purpose for them.  Many times things in this world cause us to doubt God and doubt why we are special to Him and doubt that:  HE MADE NO MISTAKE WHEN YOU WERE CREATED IN YOUR MOTHER's WOMB.  The Bible says: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" Psalm 139:13.

There are many things in the bible (OLD & NEW testaments) in which is is known that God's intent is that homosexuality is wrong.  It was meant that men and women marry.....not the way gays think.  It's NOT MY IDEA....READ the BIBLE....you'll see! 

 

Society then embraces their sin and doesn't even care about the sinner!  They don't!  If they did they would do more to outreach for them to learn about God's words.  Instead they don't care about all the gays dying because of their lifestyle choice!  Dying because of disease!  They don't care and they turn their head the other way and soon it is widely 'accepted' and embraced as 'good'. 

 

Don't get me wrong there is a thin line that separates "embracing their sin without caring about the sinner" and "hating the sinner because of their sin".  We have to love the sinner, but because we love them (and want to tell them the truth; as a true friend would) enought to tell them the truth -in love.  But you see, no matter which you do, there is always a chance that you might get taken the wrong way.  People sometimes choose to believe in what they WANT to believe!  But that should never stop us from caring with the love of Christ.

 

To convince themselves though that they are "ok being that way", gay's may choose to throw darts at Christians, to discredit them by judging them all --by their own standards.  How ironic huh?  They (along with others) may call out names to Christians such as "hypocrites" but don't realize what we are truly saying....and that not all of us are doing anything to be called hypocritical. 

 

The first judgemental thing a gay person might say to a Christian that tells them what God's word says is:  "Well...why are you not showing the 'love' you preach?"...Well....I say to THOSE that if this "Christian" were to point you in loving ways to what God's word says about being "GAY"?...I MUST REALLY HAVE CHOSEN TO LOVE YOU...BECAUSE WHY ELSE WOULD I TAKE TIME OUT OF MY DAY TO SHARE WITH YOU THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE??? 

 

I say:  "in loving ways"  because I was equally as sad to hear about the 'political demonstration'  than to find out the things that so-called "christian" groups were yelling at them from the outside of the white house gates!  Do they actually think that the things they yelled out were bringing glory to Jesus' name????  Do they know that; what flows from the lips is a direct reflection of what is in their hearts???  I'm not saying don't let the world know how you feel, but isn't 'love' a fruit-of-the-spirit???  Shouldn't Christians bear the fruit that prove they believe in Jesus??? 

 

Oh well.  I know...I know....the word Christian means someone that 'believes in Jesus being the Christ' -(BTW:  Christ means Messiah)-  I guess that's why salvation is individual!  I can't respond for everyone that 'believes in Jesus being The Christ' being that the enemy himself 'believes that Jesus is the Christ'!   

 

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.  It's amazing however to also see how more and more bad things are being inter-mingled these days with good things.    I feel that it is a plan by the enemy of God to cloud our minds and make us believe that truth is relative and that there are no absolutes!....

 

(If you believe that truth is relative, I challenge you to read the Bible) -God's word is clear that truth is not relative and read this next paragraph:  if there is poop on a diaper or even pee....is it not dirty??? ....Dirty is dirty...clean is clean....if there is a spot on the floor then it is not 'totally clean'....and so it is dirty!  Same with Good and bad....if we are sometimes bad...then we are generally bad people...then we are not generally "good" people.  So you see, there ARE absolutes...we just choose to excuse ourselves and think of ourselves as "OK", or "good" or "fine"...but by who's standards???...I can't judge you...I don't know who you are reading this (unless you tell me). 

 

The standards of this world, are not absolute...why?  Because people are different from each other!  People's standards depend on who they are and what they *choose* to believe in.  So they depend and change.  This makes people's standards to be relative.  People's choice of what truth is then becomes relative too.  What is truth then by definition?:  Well, is truth the opposite of a lie???  YES.  It is isn't it?  So that means that whether we choose to believe in a truth or in a lie, there is a truth, and there is a lie.  Who's standards am I living by?  (I ask myself that -inwardly-every day)  Who would you be more inclined to believe?: 

 

**Choice A:  A good God who left us the Bible to guide us, and gave His Son to die in human form to prove to us that it is possible to honor God now because of it? 

 

**Choice B:  Human's truths & standards, which can change?  No absolutes of how to live life the way we were meant to?  Selfish thinking that leads to carelessness about others????

 

God's standard?  It's absolute because HE has not changed!  His standards are the same no matter what part of the Bible you read.....Whether you read the "RED LETTERS" of Jesus...or Moses' teachings abou the Father...or the teachings by the disciples about the nature of the Holy Spirit....He is the same United being that manifested in 3 ways.  (If you don't believe me answered these questions after reading the Bible:  Have you noticed that Jesus testified what God the Father was teaching people all along through Moses?  Did you realize that the Spirit is what does a work in your heart to know Jesus?)  His standards are GOOD.  HE STANDS FOR WHAT IS GOOD, AND JUST IN THIS WORLD.  HIS STANDARDS are ABSOLUTELY GOOD.

 

Also, I say onto you that believes this way to think of life as an extremely dirty toilet bowl...which edge of the toilet seat would you rather be in if you were a little ant???  Would you rather be on the inside edge or on the outside edge of it???  Isn't it fair to think that if there is a God that there is an enemy and that it would sound just like the enemy to try to twist God's beautiful things around to confuse us!  So we no longer know what good is?  What bad is?  Bible says that too....Think about it.

 

Tag, You're It

Posted in Thought provoking Picture of the Day

This Easter season...Let's remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  Even if they take the bunny out of Easter...and call it a "spring-bunny"...who cares?

One day can change everything!  Rely on God for your strength!

God is our strength!  In Him we are made strong.  Even when you can’t understand His will.  He knows and loves you and will always attempt to:

“Use the best possible means to achieve the best possible results, for the most possible people, at the best possible times”.  –Pastor Kenny

We will not be buying the house that we thought we would be buying.  We just found out yesterday.  I had for a little over a month been decorating it in my head, and had loved all the things that having it meant.  Yes I was sad that this ended up this way.  However, I’ve learned from the past 2 years of waiting for this to happen for us, that God has a purpose.  He will show us that purpose some day.  For now I will just wait on Him. 

The Bible talks about a man that when he was a boy was chosen by God to fulfill a greater good (“the best possible results”) for the future of Israel (“the most possible people”).  His name was Joseph.  His brothers sold him to slavery and lied to his father saying that he was dead.  While in slavery he was wrongly accused of rape and was imprisioned.  While he spent all those YEARS in prison, the Bible clearly notes several times in Genesis 39:  “…²¹But the LORD was with Joseph there…”

Believe it or not… THAT WAS THE BEST POSSIBLE MEANS!  You may be thinking…what?...How can being in Prison be the best possible means?   I have felt that way too…How can what I’m going through whether this or not having our own children be the “best possible means”? 

You see, if it wasn’t for him being in prison for so long, he would have NEVER ever translated other dreams of the other prisioners and if had never done THAT, then he would have never translated the pharaoh’s dream and never would he have been in the good side of the pharaoh….who later made him high in command (“at the best possible times”, and fulfilled the prophesy of Joseph himself!!! 

-You still with me?  Good!

Our prayer for this Blog, I write it here only so that perhaps you’ll understand what my heart is when writing about this situation in our lives: 

Lord, may our lives, as we write about them in this blog be used by you, to be a thought-provoking-encouragement, through what your Word says about our experiences…Lord I realize that this may mean there will be more roller-coaster of experiences that you want us to learn, and so we say:  May your will be done in us, Lord.  Show us what you’ll have us do and may we SEEK the strength from your Word to deal with everything, just like Joseph!

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

****EDITED 1/07/07*****Hi friends.  There was something in this blog entry that I feel God has shown me to be wrong.  Sometimes, we may type something quickly that we may not have completely thought through.  After revising this entry I have changed the lines that should not have been there.  Please know I believe that nobody is perfect and everyone needs God...By this article I aim only to make a point that relativism and indifference about God is not correct and that it is the tool used by the enemy to bring down God's army of people not ashamed to bring forth the ultimate truth of God's word  I apologize if anyone has been hurt by the comment I deleted with regards to the parents' faults.  I understand that though parents have the responsibility to teach children in God's ways, it is always up to the free will of the child to make the choice to listen to their parents.  Furthermore, I realize we all went through these stages as young people to different extents.*************

I was blessed this weekend by being able to attend a youth event with our church’s youth.  It was such an eye opening experience that I want and feel the need to share.  One thing I saw is how over the past 5 years things had gotten so much worse than I ever cared to notice.  I also saw an ARMY.  I saw a strong un-yielding voice that was rising to say don’t mess with our God!  I saw young people that were tired of the persecution against them from those that not only choose to not believe in Jesus, but have the audocity to fight anyone else that wants to have that right.  Young people that had awesome intentions to find truth and were there to get it.  Many were totally blessed, as so was I.

 

However, some left unchanged, because the whole time they were there, all they could do was be rude and sit there playing games, and text messaging with cell phones, or standing outside smoking and ignoring the fact that someone cared enough to put together this event for their own good.  Those are the youth that are careless and self-centered.  Most likely they believe that truth is relevant, so why listen if they can create their own reality from pieces of what makes sense to them or how they feel.

 

Slowly but surely, people are trying to change what is truth by twisting it and before we knew it things went from bad to worse.  Making everyone believe that truth is dependent on who you are talking to, and rising up to fight and bring down those that care about God and the REAL TRUTH.  This unfortunately is the reason why our Youth today have it so hard!  

 

You know, there are many things that people can believe as truth.  However, if those things don’t line up with God’s word, then it is not true.  Even my own opinions, I will gladly change if my Bible tells me otherwise is truth.  I don’t care whose opinion it is.  God’s truth is the ultimate truth.

 

That is why in this event we were intent on teaching God’s word and what it says about standing strong in this TRUTH.  Like an Army ready to defend our country; we are an Army ready to defend the Truth.  God’s word is the Truth, and it is because it is true, that I believe in Jesus.  What sense would it make to believe some things in the Bible but not others???? 

Now the real question is; Who or what is our enemy? 

 

The bible also says that our fight is “against principalities” and forces in this world.  The devil is real.  Whether people believe it or not.  There is a God and there is a devil.  Evil is out there and everyday it makes this world feel that being comfortable and caring about one’s self is more important than the love that we should feel for those around us.  The comfort to be safe and not say what you believe because it “offends” people, when in reality it is only a true friend that tells it like it is!  We have to face the fact that although we can try our best to do things in love, we will still "offend".  Why?  Because Jesus is light and when light hits darkness it exposes it.  When truth the truth comes out lies are found out.  It offends those that want to live in the darkness of their own thinking.  It is their choice to get offended.  Even when you didn’t say or mean it to offend.   Also: (HELLO PEOPLE OF THE WORLD)....NOBODY IS PERFECT!!!...Just know that if you tell me I hurt you I will do my best to make it right with you.  It is then up to you to forgive me if you choose to. 

 

I believe that we should be bold and stand outside of our comfort zone.  Not to offend, but to show the truth in love.  I’ve been far too comfortable far too long.  I don’t want someone to not know the greatness of Jesus because I was too afraid of how I’d seem or whether they like me or not.  Not out to purposely hurt someone.  But to give them the loving truth from the Bible.  If they choose it, great! If they don't then at least I did all I could do!  

 

If they are my true friends then they will like me, no matter what happens.  If they love me they will know I wouldn’t purposely want to hurt them!  And if they are my true friends they will let me know if I am stepping outside of the boundaries and not keep it bottled up to build resentment toward me.  If someone is not my friend, (by their own choice), then what are they?  Is there an in-between?  Would they then be my enemy (also by their own choice)?  If there is a devil, then the bible is true….which it is…and if so then as it says:  “he came to seek and destroy”…friendships…marriages…countries…lives.

 

Now tell me; If this is not our enemy, then who, or what is it?  Whatever you are facing in life; whether injustice, prejudice, or trial; fight for truth.  We can't fight by our physical strength, however, by our faith and by standing for God's truths.  This battle will not easily be won.  This battle will only be won by being in God's word, our code of conduct.  By learning how to avoid things that will tear down this army.  By teaching it to our children and letting them know its importance.  It is about time that we stand strong.  Together, with Christ!  If God with us, who can be against us? 

 

Even when the battle seems hopeless, or over, look up He will be there to lift you up and show you a victory that the world will never understand.  This is victory that is beyond life, beyond death, beyond trophies, beyond opinions, or even beyond countries!  Nobody in this world will ever understand God's will entirely, as many times as we may read about His truths, there are still things that in our human minds we can't seem to fathom.  That is the Victory that the Bible promises!  A friend of mine put this poem in her blog. 

I loved it and changed two of the words to better understand it's meaning in my life.  Enjoy: 

 

I am a soldier of God.

The Lord Jesus is my commanding officer.

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

 Faith, Prayer and the Word
are my weapons of Warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
trained by the {Bible},
tried by adversity,
and tested by fire.

 I am a volunteer in this Army,
and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army at the rapture
or die in this Army;
but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out,
I am faithful, capable, and dependable.

 If My God needs me,
I am there.

If He needs me in Sunday school to teach children,
work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn.
He can use me,
because I am there!

I am a soldier.
I am not a baby.
I do not need to be pampered,
petted, primed up, pumped up,
picked up, or pepped up.

 I am a soldier. No one has to call me,
remind me,
write me, visit me,
entice me, or lure me.

 I am a soldier.
I am not a wimp.
I am in place, saluting my King,
obeying His orders, praising His name,
and building His kingdom!

I am a soldier.
No one has to send me flowers,
gifts, food,
cards, candy,
or give me handouts.

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled,
cared for, or catered to.

I am committed!

I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this Army,
I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing,
I will still come out even.

I will win.
My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
{God} will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.

 I am a soldier.
Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me,
and Hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain
and then bring me back to rule this world with Him.

 I am a soldier in the Army,
and I'm marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.

I am a soldier,
marching Heaven bound.
Here I stand!

Will you stand with me?

 

Thank you Mishelle for this wonderful poem you shared with me!

God Bless,

 

 

Thank you to everyone that replied by either emailing me or by putting a comment on this blog about the appliances.  This issue has been a learning experience for me.  It was my way of giving myself a "confidence booster".  See it has always been a struggle for me to find my confidence in God. 

 

I've always tried finding things about me that I felt were good qualities.  Being that my self esteem (about my weight or my appearance) has always been low.  I felt like finding a person "on-my-side" when it came to the appliances...or thought:  "I wonder if I'm way off base with my color choice"? 

 

As it turns out the result of my "scientific study" was pretty interesting.  It seems like persons who had a more "country decorating sense" seemed to like the beige appliances.  More prominently, I found out that, (with the exception of 1 person that I know that is just a little bit older than...29 ; ) --Jeannie, and a couple of others that I don't have a clue how old they are) , most people that were in their ...young age of; "30's or 40's" went for the beige.  And people that were mostly in their "20's" prefered the black. 

 

Either way you look at it, my self esteem boost...should really come from God.  I should read more about God's love for me than want to get validated by people's opinions....(Though they are very appreciated)!  I felt after writing the entry, that I was being a little foolish in the whole color situation.  Don't get me wrong; as humans it is pretty "normal" to want acceptance for things that you feel are your good qualities.  Also, I believe I was being 'sane' enough to not put it all into perspective.  The color choice was never more important than the joy of having a home provided by God with working appliances.  However, it is never good to get caught up in the material things or details of life.  When there are much bigger and more important things in this life.

 

Not to make any excuse for my behaiviour, but I did kind of feel that perhaps things that were happening in my life were so 'out of sorts', that I felt like I needed the acceptance to make me feel 'sane'.  The bad part is that when I have an idea in my head, I can be way too passionate for my own good.

 

It's funny how God kept this concept coming back to me since the entry.  One of my friends  wrote in her blog (http://absolutelywrite-beckyjoiesplayground.blogspot.com/):  (speaking about God's words); 

..."He reminds us that we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. Our happiness should not be based on our circumstances or on what we have or don't have."

--or along that same note... Our happiness should not be based on what color our appliances should or should not be or whether you've got a 'look' together.

 

It was then, that I realized what had been happening, and decided to do a 180.  I now felt that I needed to get on a different note.  I needed to begin to fill my head with good things; things of God, things that matter, such as praises to God.  Things that are eternal.  Like our purpose here on earth.  I fully believe that part of our purpose here on earth is to willingly praise God in all we do. 

 

Speaking of "different note", I fully endorse, (if you can) having Christian internet radio stations playing in the background of your computers while you work!  It really makes a difference in your day to listen to good things that praise God.  After all, that is why music was created...to praise God. 

 

Speaking of music ; )  I will soon be adding a button to my blog for Air1 radio.  Once I get it to work that is.  I emailed the lady at Air1 about it and she kindly responded --which I thought was awesome!  (This is more than I can say for a certain local christian radio station that (although is smaller than Air1) I will not mention the name of,  but they did not have the decency to respond to an e-mail once about 2 years ago)!  So I imagine soon you'll be able to link to it from my blog.  That way you can all enjoy listening to some awesome wholesome lyrics!

 

As far as the things that were happening in our lives lately that have been (as I mentioned earlier) 'out of sorts'?....Well, this is what God told me trough my friends at Air1 internet radio:  "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  Isaiah 41:10 --Thanks Sarah Outman!  Keep up the good Ministry (I don't believe in 'works' even if this is your 'job'!  She shows the true meaning of:  "...doing everything as onto The Lord..."

 

*****To all who are scratching your head and wondering:  no I'm not getting paid to endorse them....I am blessed by them and so I am simply sharing with all!****

 

Thanks for your prayers everyone!  God Bless,

L

Posted in Expectations

Hi all.  I was wondering if you can give me your opinion on the following:  Here are two pictures.  Please tell me what you think about these.  Which one would you choose over the other?  I'm trying to determine my appliance color.  Please be honest.

 

My Prayer...Lord, help me to accept everyone's opinion and to accept that ultimately nothing but you matters, not my opinion, not my will.  You know that I don't want to be stubborn or opinionated.  I pray for you to ease my mind Lord.  Amen.

 

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

 The will of God... 

(I know it is long…take a break through this entry if you need to…But please know I am not trying to preach…after finishing it…I was wiping tears because of the overjoyed feeling of how God has ministered first to me by these realizations).

 When given choices in life, if we choose one way or another; who's will is it? 

When hardship comes and we feel like the choices we made were wrong choices, but yet they were allowed in our lives, even then.  Who's will is it? 

When we are rejoicing or in sorrow...in trial or tribulation...in sickness or in health; who's will is it?  It's the will of God!  He fore-knows what will happen.  He knew my purpose before the foundations of the earth. 

 Many people feel that since 'bad things happen to good people', there must not be a God.  They reason; “how can there be a God if there are so many bad things in this world that are happening”.  They feel like a "good" God can't let things like that happen to his children if He 'truly' loves them.  They think it is a straight contradiction.  Also, some struggle with the ‘free will’ and consequence concepts.

 I can't convince anyone of anything, let alone someone who's heart is not willing to listen.  However, what I can do is share my own experience, since nobody can argue when they didn’t live our life for us or are standing on our shoes.  Many ‘bad’ things have ‘happened’ in our so-called "good" life.  I say it that way because–(in my learning)- there is nobody who is 'basically good'.  See, we may be 'good' people.  But even at our best we are only as good as what goes INTO our hearts.  If we store bitterness in our hearts, (from having been hurt) then bitterness will surface.  If we store anger, anger will surface.  If we store inspiration, then inspiration will surface.  If we read and store God’s words, then those words will surface.  I don’t claim to read the Bible as often as one should, or store enough of it in my heart for my own sake. 

 However, I will give my ‘disclaimer’ that if at any point there are excerpts from the Bible present in any of these blogs, it is because it has ministered to my heart and like a golden nugget, has been cherished enough to be stored up within me for such a time as this, and for God’s glory.

 The Bible (a book that has been acclaimed even by non-christians and historians to be a great source of truth and inspiration); says that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God"  -Romans 3:23-.  ALL means ALL guys!  It also says; that we will never understand all of God’s ways. 

 For example, we didn’t get one of the many houses we had hoped to get about 6 months ago.  Why? -We asked God in prayer.  Now, the reason is understood!  Sometimes, we don’t realize why God does things until He shows us later that it was better that way.  “Better”???  Better for whom?  Better over all!  See, that house is now occupied by another family.  They are also a family who feels blessed to have found it!  A family that is being blessed by meeting their next door neighbors (friends of ours).  If we had moved there…that may not have happened. 

What about us?  Well, we’ve learned many things along the path.  One is that God never closes a door without opening another.  And that:  “…God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called by His purpose” –Romans 8:28. 

 For our good!  How many times has God made it hard for me to do something…all in all to protect me from something happening to me before my time?  I may never know in this lifetime!  Even if we don’t think His will for us is ‘good’, it is always ‘good for us’.  (Like Veggies )!

 About the ‘detail/disclaimer’ –(“…of those that love him…”).  I try everyday to love God within my heart and to take every thought captive so that no unnecessary bitterness comes into it.  I try to be overjoyed with love, (the love that God commands me to have in His word).  By trying hard at this, I can show God (trying not to boast about anything to anyone) that I love Him. 

 Oh, oh another ‘detail/disclaimer’ –(“…and are called by His purpose…”).  How do I know I am “called by His purpose”?  Well, His purpose is there already, if you don’t believe me, read the Bible.  (It is replete with instances of people who didn’t even live in each other’s same era, but all knew God’s purpose was set before the beginning of the earth).  The real question is:  am I choosing to walk within this calling?  Am I choosing to take on that responsibility of taking on His purpose for my life. 

 Furthermore, any agnostic would even declare that nobody in this life is "perfect".  That in turn would specify, that in order to not be perfect, we must have done some things 'wrong' or been somehow 'bad' at one point or another.  This is also to say that we are not always right, or 'good'.  If we lie, aren't we liers and if we sin (true definition from google: 

“the primary Greek word rendered "sin" is "hamartia". This word essentially means "missing the mark; falling short; or a departure". The essential idea being conveyed by the use of this word is that of "a departure from holiness"; thus "hamartia" means to sin; to depart from God's standard of holiness; to become unrighteous; to fail to live up to what God requires of us”. -Rom 3:23; 14:23; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4),

aren't we all sinners by definition?  Indeed missing the mark is not being a perfect shot!  So to say that we are "good" people would mean that we would have to always be “good”. 

 Now while you read about me and my experiences below, please keep these next questions in the back of you mind for reflection.  Do "bad" things happen to "good" people?  Or do things happen to people?  Also, at what point do we take responsibility for our decisions, and consequences, instead of naming reasons why things just 'happen' to us?

 Right now, it seems as though my husband and my business will not easily survive the market's slow training trends.  Maybe you know that we can't have natural children, or that we've not been able to own another home in the past 2 years after we made a prayed over move from another city or any other hard detail of our life.  Something about that move is that still to this day we hear people's questioning us on it.  But yet God’s peace has confirmed this in our hearts that it had to have happened, for us to be where we are now.  He protected us!  He gave us the wisdom at the time to not be attached to a plurality in life and do what seems harder.  And if what we are going through now is for some purpose that we will only know later, then I will humbly say Lord have your will not mine!

 Now you may ask yourself, if it is "God's will", then did God lead us into these situations to leave us hanging?  To leave us stranded?  No way!  God promises also in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us!  If I believe in some things the Bible says…  Then why should I not believe in other things?…  Why should I not believe this?  That my friends is a contradiction that we as humans put up. 

 I can say from what I'm learning in these struggles, not only are we stronger and is our faith in God stronger, but we have grown closer to each other and have learned about God's sovereignty even more.  God has provided every step of the way.  He has provided our meals, a roof over our heads, and lots of friends and family that support us no matter how imperfect we are.

 I'll tell you what.  I’d rather have the my future unknown to me but in the hands of my Creator who stands outside of time and knows what is to happen, than in my finate hands, that don’t know what is to come.  In the mean time, I will do His will, His purpose which is described in His Word; which It tells me is to believe in Him and His word, and follow what It says is His Purpose and what lines up with His will.  I will try my best at doing everything, as onto Him!

As for you my brother or my sister; Rejoice no matter what comes at you, and persistently pray for wisdom in every decision, no matter how small.  God will meet you there.

 

In Christ’s love,

Lyssie

 

Posted in This week in the Silver lining

Dedicated to my wonderful family and friends…

 

I’ve been thinking about when I say that I love someone.  What do I mean by that?  Why do I love them?  What if they don’t love me back?  What is love?   

Well...I’ll tell you what….I believe love is definitely not a feeling!  Feelings are fleeting you see.  One day we feel good.  The next we feel bad.  If love were a feeling, then love would never last. 

No….I believe that love is a choice!  A choice, you ask? Yes, a choice.  Just like obeying the law is a choice.  If you choose to break the law then you’ll suffer the consequences of it.  You choose what speed to drive your car.  Cars aren’t made with automatic mph speed controllers that slow you down if you go past the limit.  (Though that would be a very advanced technology)!   

It doesn’t mean that there is no law.  We are free to decide what speed to go, but we know that if we do right, we will save ourselves the stresses of tickets and cops and well accidents.   

See, God gives us a commandment to love each other.  Notice that in every time he says in the scriptures, he is commanding us to do it.  It is our choice to choose to obey it or not to.  Just the same; just because there are commandments doesn’t mean that we always end up doing as we are told.  I mean we are human so we make mistakes.  However, I feel that this world would be better off if everyone did as commanded.   

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 13;4-13, speak of what the attributes of love are.  I couldn’t say this better myself!  Please read: 

⁴Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. ⁶It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

⁸Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages^[c] and special knowledge will all disappear. ⁹Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! ¹⁰But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.

¹¹It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. ¹²Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.^[d] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.

¹³There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.

 

If you wrong me or if I wrong you -and chances are I might sometime in my life time let you down though I try not to-, choosing to love is what makes it easier to choose to forgive.  Therefore, if I ever say I love you, not only will I mean it, but you can better believe that as hard as it might be for me to keep this commandment (and I’m surely not going to let it slide easily), I will never cease to love you.

 

Lyssie

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link