CristySoh

Around that mountain again.

2009-06-12T06:38:00.002-04:00

Praying.

Homeschooling. Not just my own (which has already started to a degree) but a six year old who has already overcome so much, and cannot be lost to public school.

The Lord is so quiet on this. Why?

I'm a thinking

2009-03-01T18:38:00.003-05:00

I wandered around the job listings today, and saw that Highlights for Kids was hiring in Columbus. I wasn't qualified for the open positions, nor am I ready to work, what with K being preschool age, but it was interesting to think about.

And I wondered ... is there a strong Christian Highlights-like magazine for kids? I think I will need to pick the brains of some of my homeschooling moms for the answer. I have always loved that magazine's format, especially as a child, and what if there were a way to publish a Christ-centered version? I know lots of lovely Christian writers. Food for thought, hmmm.

2009

2009-01-01T07:49:00.002-05:00

I pray to stay focused on what He will have me do this year.

Lord, hear my prayer.

When will we learn?

2008-12-16T09:06:00.004-05:00

Churches are starting to make me angry.

It's not a social club; some aren't "great" and others are "misfits."

We're all saved by grace and equally important and valued by the One who matters.

When will we learn to treat others better?

Offer Restoration and Unity

2008-12-11T16:12:00.001-05:00

(Today's message is from Germaine Copeland, received in a devotional email.)

Prayer is one of the pillars of the universal church. Earnest, heartfelt prayer will produce results and bring restoration to wounded intercessors. God has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. God wants His wounded ones restored. We cannot fix one another, but prayer prepares the way for God to undo our erroneous efforts to keep everything together.

Prayer and sound teaching prepare hearts to receive revelations that displace wrong mind-sets, attitudes, and motives. Prayers of manipulation are replaced with Spirit-led prayer.

Accusations no longer fly back and forth like a badminton game. Emotional wounds are healed, and old emotional and psychological patterns of self-protection are brought down.

In prayer, strongholds that emotionally isolate us are destroyed, and we learn to trust one another. An overloaded pastor welcomes a willing heart that commits to pray and lead others in prayer. May we who intercede honor those who brought us the Word of God and imitate their example, following them as they follow God.

If we are to develop healthy relationships within our church families we have to hold the same vision, be of one mind, and be in one accord. In God’s presence we learn to esteem others, and our respect for ourselves will be reflected in our respect for others. Then we will have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin (1 John 1:9).

As a family we acknowledge our flaws, our shortcomings making ourselves accountable—and pray for one another that we may all be restored to a spiritual tone of mind and heart. (See James 5:16, AMP.) If you want to see your prayers answered, pray—and work—for the restoration and unity of all believers, especially those in your local congregation.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. —James 5:16

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
For these things I weep;My eye, my eye overflows with water;Because the comforter, who should restore my life,Is far from me.—Lamentations 1:16

TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, You are the great reconciler! Of marriages! Of children! Of families! Of brothers and sisters! Of all relationships! It is in Your strength and by Your grace that I will go to the person with whom I have had conflict. You have planted the seed of love in my heart, and I will humble myself by asking forgiveness regardless of who was at fault. I pray that the relationship will be healed and the breach mended. I purpose to do this in obedience to Your Word and for Your glory, Lord Jesus. The repairer of breaches in relationships is working on my behalf! Amen.

Imagine

2008-12-10T07:03:00.003-05:00

This video is a little long, but I think you'll get the point. Imagine if we faced life with the attitude this puppy has ... full throttle in deep snow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCa72UEYv5E

Unshakeable Kingdom

2008-11-17T10:15:00.002-05:00

Hebrews 12:28-29:

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

I see that the key to staying rooted and grounded in this "unshakeable kingdom" is found in the worship of a most holy God. Thank you, Lord. This brings peace today.

I live in an "unshakeable kingdom."

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

2008-11-14T08:32:00.005-05:00

(from my pastor, Les Bowling, this past Wednesday)

Stay Close to God;

(John 15:1-8 )
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Stay close, and you will bear fruit. Stay close, and He will stay close.

(1 Peter 5:5)
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” Humble is the key. If we allow pride in our own abilities to overtake our minds, we will not give praise and thanksgiving to who is the true source of our ability. Humility.

(Philippians 4:4-8)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The peace of God can only come when you are close to God; spend time learning who He is; remember that which has been given to you; seek out the promises we have in Christ Jesus; and as always, give credit where it is truly deserved.

Be Faithful (to what He's already told you and what you already know);

(Genesis 6:8-9)
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. You have to be close to God to walk with Him. Trusting in His ability to care for you, being obedient in the face of weeks, months, YEARS of waiting for the delivered promise. Like Abraham, Noah waited, knowing that the Lord had told him to build the ark and expect the rain. Sometimes, we just need to wait.

(2 Timothy 2:1)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Remember grace. We often forget that without the grace of God, we would likely lose our minds. We could never accomplish the things that the Lord can accomplish through us.

(1 Timothy 4:12-16)
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,[a] in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. The "how to"; read your Bible, speak out what the Bible says, study and walk out the knowledge of God. And above all, pray!

(Luke 16:10)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Being faithful in the trying, inactive times is how and when the Lord knows we are ready for promotion.

Stay close to God and be faithful. Simple, and yet difficult.

Truth, be told ...

2008-11-11T16:30:00.004-05:00

(from 11.06.08 post at LaShawn Barber's Corner, and a thanks to Jordan's View, who has helped me with his mining-of-the-blogs to realize that I'm not out of my mind)

Barack Obama’s Post-Racial Delusion

A somewhat unorganized collection of post-election thoughts. More to come.

Author Shelby Steele, with whom I shared a discussion panel several years ago, writes about Barack Obama’s delusional “post-racial promise.”

After Obama’s speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, people at my former day job were aglow. (See Barack Obama Goes to Boston) My boss in particular went on and on about this “young man” and his eloquent speech. I told him I hadn’t watched the convention but couldn’t wait to find out what everyone was gushing about. I read the speech and found nothing remarkable about it.

Young, black, and possessed of so-called charisma, Obama was fresh and new. His rhetoric was tired and devoid of substance, but he symbolized a racial idealism, as Steele notes. My co-workers, black and white, were excited about the “articulate” Obama’s potential. It was the idea of him rather than what he said that got people excited. My boss, who was white, could barely contain himself.

It’s safe to say my sixtysomething former boss proudly voted for Barack Obama on Tuesday. No doubt he bought into the “post-racial promise,” the idea that Americans have moved beyond race, and a vote for Obama proves it. For white liberal types, failing to support Obama implies a failure to embrace this ideal.

I read quite a few music and book author blogs, and some are run by Obama-supporting liberals. I can almost see them patting themselves on the back as they try to convince themselves race means nothing, and Obama’s presidency signals the beginning a new era of diversity, tolerance, blah, blah, blah. But they’ve got it twisted. Voting for Obama because he represents some post-racial ideal is to inject race into the equation.

“When whites — especially today’s younger generation — proudly support Obama for his post-racialism, they unwittingly embrace race as their primary motivation,” Steele writes. “They think and act racially, not post-racially. The point is that a post-racial society is a bargainer’s ploy: It seduces whites with a vision of their racial innocence precisely to coerce them into acting out of a racial motivation. A real post-racialist could not be bargained with and would not care about displaying or documenting his racial innocence. Such a person would evaluate Obama politically rather than culturally.”

It the end, it doesn’t matter why white people voted for Obama. He’s the leader of the free world now (shudder). Who I am to interfere with their “I voted for a black man because I don’t care about race” back-patting?

Steele asks what Obama’s election means to blacks. Well, I doubt it will do anything to decrease illegitimacy among blacks (70 percent; as high as 80 percent in some urban areas), or decrease child killing, or strengthen families and communities, or much of anything. It’s a proud moment for many blacks, to be sure, but having a black man in the White House will not motivate black Americans to wait until marriage to have babies, to stop killing their babies (and at three times the rate of white women), or to stop uttering the word racism whenever they don’t get their way.

Of course, Obama never promised that his presidency would have any effect on these things.

As long as families (the foundation of society) are in shambles, conditions won’t improve much. But with Obama in office, white liberals can feel good about themselves and blacks can feel proud, fatherless children and dead babies be damned.

Update: Welcome to post-racial America! Now we don’t have to talk about race anymore!

Pray...

2008-11-11T08:08:00.004-05:00

Pray, study, share, disciple.

Above all, pray.

My heart is breaking. Lord, don't tarry. If I've been irresponsible in not sharing what I know, forgive me, Lord.

Between Two Worlds: Eric Redmond: "Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama"

2008-11-08T07:23:00.004-05:00

Between Two Worlds: Eric Redmond: "Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama"

Posted using ShareThis

Eric C. Redmond is the author of Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's Questions About the Church (Crossway, 2008). He most recently served as the 2007-2008 Second Vice-President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has previously posted other thoughts on the election at his blog, A Man from Issachar. He and his wife, Pamela, are adoptive parents who have five children in their home and two children in heaven.

A Heart for America

2008-11-08T06:56:00.003-05:00

by Louise Nankivell

Since Christ appeared to me in the night, my heart is broken for the needs of America. The burden of God’s people and the multitude of unsaved is upon me in a greater way than I have ever known it in life before. Many times my spirit is so broken, I preach and pour out my heart in crying and tears.
The Spirit is crying for God’s people to be revived, for sinners to be saved, and for people to be delivered from their diseases. Our great, unchanging Lord waits to come forth in signs and wonders and mighty miracles this very hour. I am praying that the cities of America shall once again be stirred.

SCRIPTURE:
Leviticus 26:3–6

PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for America. Bless our leaders, Lord; turn their hearts toward You. Forgive us, revive us, and use us as light to all nations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(from Charisma magazine, http://www.charismamag.com/)

Grief

2008-11-08T06:39:00.003-05:00

I can acknowledge that it has taken too long for this nation to elect someone other than a Caucasion male as president.

I cannot, however, celebrate. The plans and purposes of President-elect Obama (as they stand right now) mean that more children will be aborted. If he is successful in implementing the policies he has laid out in his past publications and interviews, liberal judges who will enact more abortion "freedoms" are likely to be appointed and national law is expected to be enacted that will permit and encourage more deaths.

I am thankful for my pastor who reminds me that with God, all things are possible, and to remain diligent in praying for this leader. Lord, I pray you move on Mr. Obama's conscience, and change his heart towards the unborn.

To those who would put forth that this election brings "healing" for past crimes against humanity and that hope has been restored for our children, I would ask this: what hope is there for our aborted children, who will likely increase in number?

Jesus Christ has, does and will always provide for healing and hope; a mere man cannot do this. Lord, please help other Christians to see it this way.

Lord, hear my prayer.

Got Fleas?

2008-10-31T06:38:00.003-04:00

God’s Purpose for Those Fleas by Catherine Marshall LeSourd

As the days wore on, the prisoners in Barracks 28 discovered that there was an astonishing lack of supervision or interference. Corrie and Betsie ten Boom used the unprecedented freedom to talk to the other prisoners, read the Bible to them, and minister in a myriad of ways. Then one day a supervisor tipped her hand as to why they were given so much latitude. “That place is crawling with fleas,” the supervisor said. “I wouldn’t step through the door!”

Corrie’s mind rushed back to their first hour in the barracks and to their rueful prayer thanking God for fleas.

When she looked up, Betsie was chuckling, her eyes sparkling. “So now we know why we were supposed to praise Him even for fleas. Even the fleas had to be His instruments for our good.”

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
Ecclesiastes 3:1–11

TODAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for wonderful testimonies like that of Corrie ten Boom —testimonies that will prompt me to give thanks in all things too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(from Charisma's Daily Devotional)

Got Frogs?

2008-10-26T09:08:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wrestled with one of those problems that stubbornly refuses to go away? It seems to be immune to all solutions. You swat at the thing in every conceivable way, but instead of being eliminated, it expands and multiplies until it's wildly out of control.

An Egyptian pharaoh faced just that kind of problem, the Bible tells us, thousands of years ago. He was in a hot dispute with God over the future of the Israelites, and as a result of that dispute, he woke up one morning to find his country swarming with frogs. Slimy, smelly, hopping-all-over-the-place frogs.

It was a serious problem. I'm not talking about a frog or two in the front yard. I mean frogs were everywhere--in their beds, on their tables. Big old frogs in the ovens. Little bitty frogs in the bread dough and the drinking water. Frogs. Frogs in your hair. Frogs in places you wouldn't even want to think about!

Then God made a move. He sent His man Moses in to Pharaoh to ask, "When shall I entreat the Lord to get these frogs out of here?"

Do you know what Pharaoh said?

"Tomorrow." Can you imagine that? He could have said, "Right now! Today!" But instead he decided he'd spend one more night among the frogs.

You say, "That's the stupidest thing I ever heard. Why in the world would he do it tomorrow?" I don't know. Probably for the same reason you want to wait until tomorrow to get saved or healed or prosperous.

Here's what I want you to notice. When Moses asked Pharaoh that question and he answered, "Tomorrow," Moses said, "All right. So that you know there's a God in heaven, BE IT DONE UNTO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORDS."

Let me ask you this: How long are you willing to let that persisting problem harass you? When are you going to get rid of the frogs in your life? Do you realize they'll stay around as long as you'll let them? They'll be there until you finally make a quality decision to go with the Word of God and get them out.

Why don't you do it today?

Scripture Study: Exodus 8:1-13

from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Wake up, Deborah!

2008-10-19T06:53:00.002-04:00

by Deborah P. Brunt

"Wake up, wake up, Deborah!
Wake up, wake up, break out in song!"

So sang Deborah herself, a prophet and leader in Israel in the days of the Old Testament judges.

Who would have thought, at this late date in life, I'd find myself singing the same refrain, with a strange new confidence and joy? Who would have thought that a character in a local theater production in Mississippi and a wagon bed in North Carolina would contribute to my awakening?

The Deborah of the Old Testament served as a judge for years. Who knows how many people she helped as, one after another, month after month, "the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided" (Judges 4:5)? One day, Deborah awoke to a different assignment, an assignment to cooperate with God to deliver all Israel.

Cruelly oppressed for 20 years, the Israelites had at last cried out to the Lord for help. He responded by speaking to Deborah, telling her the strategy for deliverance. Sending for a man named Barak, Deborah gave Barak his marching orders from the Lord. As Deborah and Barak obeyed God, thousands of warriors rose up to join them - and the Lord himself routed their oppressors.

In a different era, on a different continent, I participated in a little theater production of The Miracle Worker, a play about the child Helen Keller, oppressed from infancy by blindness and deafness and by a well-meaning family with no idea how to discipline or teach her. As portrayed in the play, Helen's father, Captain Arthur Keller, epitomizes the mindset of the Old South.

When Helen's new teacher, Annie Sullivan, arrives, she and Captain Keller vie over who will carry her suitcase. Annie wants to hold the suitcase herself so she can give Helen a gift it contains. When Captain Keller tries to take the suitcase, Annie says, "I'd like it." Keller holds on tightly, announcing, "I couldn't think of it, Miss Sullivan. You'll find in the south we view women as the flowers of civiliza--." Audiences smile as Annie wins the skirmish.

Audiences laugh out loud as Captain Keller clumsily carries Annie down a ladder after Helen locks her in a second-story bedroom. When Annie says, "I'm perfectly able to go down a ladder under my own--," Keller interrupts her: "I doubt it, Miss Sullivan."

Caught up in the drama focusing on Helen and Annie, play-goers find themselves liking Captain Keller, enjoying the laughter his antics provoke and overlooking his condescending attitude toward women.

One mild September day, sitting on a wagon bed in a North Carolina field, I encountered God. For decades I had known him. For decades I had recited Psalm 139:13-14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God came to the wagon bed, not just to remind me of that verse, but to take me back to the place it describes.

From the womb I had accepted dishonor as normal. I had lived with an identity obscured by a culture that still today hides its lack of respect for women behind its gallant shows of respect for women. A likeable culture, it endears itself by laughter - yet often the jokes themselves subtly convey that women aren't to be taken seriously.

On that wagon bed, God told me what should have been obvious. My Father said, "Your name is Deborah."

In that instant, I awakened to my identity. I accepted my new assignment.

Now I sing to whoever will hear, "Wake up, wake up! Let God himself tell you your name!"
. . . . . . .

Are you like Earl and Nettie?

2008-10-03T10:17:00.002-04:00

Many of today’s miracles are performed by the Earls and the Netties of this world. I watched these two people develop a love relationship with a family, week in and week out, for years. And when the family hit a breaking point, God used Earl and Nettie to draw that family closer to the One who can comfort the downcast (2 Corinthians 7:6.)

***

Rob had to go somewhere. He was still feeling pressure from Carrie, and he finally told her he wanted a separation. No job for months. No mortgage payments, they were sure to lose the house soon. And that online game ... maybe Carrie was right, it was addictive.

Where was God in all this? Why isn't He helping me? Rob decided he'd go to that big church and sit in the back and hide. Maybe there'd be some peace in just listening to the music and watching the show he'd seen on television.

On the way, he started to drive past the church he and Carrie got married in. That sure seemed like a long time ago. Hey, that blue SUV looks a lot like Earl and Nettie's car. It was Earl and Nettie; they were getting out and walking towards the church!

Earl and Nettie weren't like most church folks. Rob liked that even though they didn't smoke or drink, they still seemed really comfortable around Rob's family. They came to every barbecue that Rob invited them to. Their son played with Rob's kids. They were "regular" folks. They still talked frankly about God and living right. But they didn't say much about cleaning up everything for God; they mostly talked about God cleaning up everything for them!

He didn't know if it was his conscience or God himself, but Rob heard that he better go into that church and talk to Earl and Nettie. He did just what he was told. And true to form, Earl and Nettie sat in the back with him, and didn't make him feel bad for not being there in months. Rob even heard God talking to him through the preacher's sermon! He cried like he hadn't cried in years; God knew he was having a hard time, and He wasn't going to leave Rob in the lurch. He was going to help Rob out of this mess.

And at the end of the service, when the preacher called out that anyone wanting prayer could come up to the altar, Rob did just that. Alone, silently, he made peace with God.

After church, he found a little place that he and Carrie and the kids could rent if they lost their house. And he didn't talk anymore about leaving.

***

Within your world, who are you reaching out to? Because not reaching out is simply not reaching at all. When we forget to extend ourselves, to pour into others, we forget the Lord that gave His all for us. Are you an Earl or a Nettie? If not, get there quick. Relationships take time; week in and week out. Not just a "How're you doing?" as you pass by before church.

Stop, listen. Wait, ask. Comfort, pray.

It's alot of work. Remember someone's crisis every time you hear or see them. Follow up with them; ask about their children, even the ones away from church. Stop and pray right where you are, when you hear someone's need. Get real, be real, and stay real. It's what the Earls and Netties of the world do. They sow into the lives of others, without measure. They are available at all times, not just when they are well-rested. And they are willing to be used by God at a moment’s notice, and more often than not, with those they’ve taken the time to know. It was just what Jesus did. Will you do it?

***

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:13-15)

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1:40-42)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. (John 13:1)

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Trusting AGAIN?

2008-09-30T11:34:00.004-04:00

Will She Ever Trust Me Again

by David Wever

While conducting the Every Man’s Battle seminar, a question I often hear from married men is: “I’ve admitted my sin, apologized to my wife and tried to make it right. She says she forgives me but can’t trust me. Will she ever trust me again?” Rebuilding trust is like rebuilding credit. It can be done, but only through a combination of time and consistency. So if broken trust is a challenge to your marriage, let me offer you three ideas on how to rebuild it. Rebuilding trust is like rebuilding credit.

First, get a solid structure put in place. A solid structure is a combination of accountability, daily prayer and Bible reading, and regular consultation with a pastor, mentor or Christian counselor. Find yourself a good men’s accountability group, a good Christian therapist (call 1-800-NEW LIFE if you need help with that), and begin a daily habit of personal prayer and some time spent reading scripture. Get a solid structure put in place. Let your wife know, in writing preferably, what your structure is. List the name of your group leader, your counselor, and the schedule you’re adopting. Give her a copy, so she knows what program you’re following, and tell her she can watch you to see if you’re sticking to it. You’ll probably be surprised how much trust this alone can enhance.

Second, set aside a weekly time - maybe an hour or so – to do nothing but listen to her. Tell her it’s her time to tell you how she feels about your marriage, about your progress, about herself, or anything else that’s on her mind. During her “listening” time, you don’t interrupt or argue. You simply listen carefully to her concerns, and make sure she knows you share them. This habit will show her that, in contrast to the selfishness you displayed through your sexual sin, you’re now putting her, and her needs, first. Set aside a weekly time to do nothing but listen to her.

Finally, don’t rush her. She’s been wounded, and wounds are healed, not erased. So give her time. Allow her some anger, and some sadness, as she grieves over the blow your marriage has been struck by. By patiently waiting for her confidence in you to rebuild, you’ll show her that you take responsibility for your behavior by not expecting her to “just get over it.” She needs that from you. So if both of you will patiently invest in time and consistency, you’ll reap an enormous level of strength and intimacy in your relationship. She’s been wounded, and wounds are healed, not erased. In the end, the trust she’s lost can be restored, added to, and treasured.

Forgiveness always costs

2008-09-30T11:33:00.003-04:00

The Cost of Forgiveness

by Brad Stenberg

The wrong done by sexual sin and betrayal is a serious matter, but the forgiveness involved is more serious still. That’s because forgiveness can set in motion the healing of a relationship where truth replaces deception, and a future hope is birthed out of ashes. But there are certain costs involved. To ask for forgiveness costs you having to bear the sting of humility and humiliation. You have to give up the defenses that protect your self-image from being morally wrong by openly admitting your failure and being exposed. It also costs you what status or power you may have had with your wife because you have to give up that position to the one you have wronged. And it costs you the uncertainty of knowing whether your wife will be willing and able to overcome the many impediments to forgiving you. This kind of betrayal can cause irreparable damage to a marriage. As difficult as it seems for you, think what it costs your wife to forgive you.

First, she has to give up her claim to justice. She has to let go of her desire to see you get what you deserve for your sexual sin. While she experiences the painful agony of being betrayed, it seems to her that you are getting by without this pain. Instead, she has to trust and obey God’s instruction to not take vengeance or carry a grudge, but rather to love you in the Lord (Leviticus 19:18). This is not easy.

Second, the forgiving process costs your wife her sense of safety with you. The discovery of sexual unfaithfulness in one’s marriage is described by many women as being worse than having your body torn apart, or having open heart surgery without anesthesia. This kind of trauma often causes a wife to organize the entire relationship around the injury. The hurt can reemerge in an alive and intensely emotional manner, like a flashback that feels overwhelming. Though you sorrowfully admit and repent of your transgression, she finds it difficult to let it go because she never wants to be hurt like this again. So she naturally protects herself from being vulnerable.

Third, the occasion for forgiveness has cost her the loss of trust in you. You betrayed a trust that you promised to protect. Your wife now has to protect what little trust she has left. Even though she forgives you for what you did in the past, trusting you is about the future. It’s going to take some time for her to be able to trust and invest in you again. This is something you will have to earn through more than verbal reassurances. She needs to see your bold, concrete, and consistent actions over time. Feeling remorse is good, and verbal promises help, but it’s your overall attitude and actions that will win your wife’s trust back. She has to trust that you will not harm her again. So, in most cases of sexual betrayal a wife has the heavier emotional load to carry. She has to control intrusive and obsessive thoughts about your behaviors. She has to calm the rage that screams from her pain of rejection. She has to grieve the loss of not having the marriage she thought she had. And she has to find a way to restore her lost sense of self. Meanwhile, she also has to find the strength to act in ways that are attractive to you, while risking being vulnerable and intimate again. And she has to do all this while dealing with the difficult issue of forgiving you. It’s necessary, but costly.

In contrast, you want it to be over. You’ve confessed or admitted your behavior (though perhaps only after having been caught). You’ve pledged your fidelity and commitment to be sexually pure. You feel relieved, cleansed, and ready to move on. You think it’s in your and her best interest to forgive, trust, and get over it. But it is not in your wife’s best interest to forgive and trust you too quickly because cheap grace does not produce the lasting change you both need. It cost God His only Son to be able to say, I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you (Isaiah 44:22, NIV).

So know and accept that the forgiveness process you and your wife are involved in will cost you both something.

from http://www.everymansbattle.com/articles.asp?id=720

At His Feet

2008-09-30T11:28:00.003-04:00

A form of betrayal

2008-09-30T11:09:00.005-04:00

Making Amends with Extended Family Hurt by Our Betrayal
by Craig Boden

The atomic bomb has been dropped. A blinding flash of light… the explosion…the mushroom cloud billowing…devastation everywhere you can see…horror on faces of survivors…lives destroyed… You pushed the button!

You dropped the bomb! You did not mean to…it was an accident. How could this have happened? It was a normal day at work. Routine is so routine. You predict on your way home the events of the evening. Your wife will be preparing the evening meal. You try to slip in without making a fuss. Keep peace at all cost is your life motto. But peace is not on tonight’s menu. It has been weeks since she confronted you about your secret life with pornography.

You thought it was well hidden and there would be no way you would be caught. She did! And you were! She should be over this by now, you are thinking. The drive home in the falling snow did not prepare you for the ice storm you encountered when you slipped in your own back door. Her rage had been seething all day, like the steam emitting from the release valve on a pressure cooker. Tears were salting the mashed potatoes she was preparing. You attempted to hug her. She stiffened and pulled away.

As you began to reason with her that you had things under control and together you could work this out. “Mom and Dad want me to move home for a while, she numbly inserts.” What? Mom and Dad? Want you…? You told them…? Were there others, you wondered, but wouldn’t allow yourself to ask. Words became racing thoughts, fragments of splintered sentences. They know about…? About the porn… About my acting… About me… I’m exposed, they know about me. A sick nauseating wave of fear surges through your stomach. Anger emerges.

The thoughts “They have no business… How could you have… when you hear your angry words burst through the silence. “What did you tell them?” “It is none of their business!” “Why did you tell them?” Supper was left on the stove. You blew it once again. When will this ever end?

As days of winter crept by you knew sooner or later you would have to face those who know and have been hurt. Can there be hope for a future after such a catastrophic explosion? Where do you begin to restore relationships of those who have been hurt by your betrayal?

Restoration is possible: Consider not yourself, but those who have been hurt by your betrayal. Make a list of those who you know have been affected or in some way have knowledge of your acting out. Remember what the Prodigal Son in Luke chapter 15 did when he decided to go back home to face his dad?

First, he faced his pride. It was a giant. He probably had been plotting and fantasizing just how great life could be if he did not have to be strapped down. If he didn’t have someone looking over his shoulder… watching him. Why, he could live anyway he pleased. “Hey Dad, I want my inheritance now. I want to make it on my own. I can handle it.”

He didn’t handle it any better than we did, did he? He lost everything. Squandered it on “loose living,” v 13. That is a nice way to put it, isn’t it? ‘Loose living,' sounds nice enough. His older brother wasn’t sugar coating it in v. 30, “…this son of yours (no brother of mine, implied) who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes…”

Pride wants to minimize and to cover up and hide the magnitude of what we have done. While he was longing to fill his stomach with the pods he was feeding the hogs, v. 16, he was actually swallowing his pride. “I will go to my father and tell him what I have done.”

Second, he rehearsed what he would say. He probably ‘hearsed* and rehearsed until he was confident that he had down exactly what he would say. “Dad I sinned (v. 18-19). I am not worthy to be called your son. Would you let me go to work for you as one of your workers?” He identified what sin he had committed against God and his father and confessed it. Because of his betrayal he saw his unworthiness, the true picture of himself. This was no longer about him and what he wanted to get out of life. He was ready now to see the reality of his condition. “I am not worthy…”

Third, though it is important to rehearse and rehearse what you will say, be prepared for their response. The younger son, I don’t think was prepared for what his father said and did. Right in the middle of his well rehearsed presentation, his father interrupted him v. 22.

Read for yourself this amazing fatherly response. One of the reasons for the favorable response from his dad was due to the sincerity of his son’s confession. It came from his brokenness not from his pride. If your confession to your family members or friends is in any way marked by insincerity, minimizing, hiding, weaseling, it will become evident. That kind of brokenness can only come from feeding the hogs and becoming aware that we have been living like them. Rooting and snorting for anything that will feed our appetite for pleasure. Regardless of the relationship with your parents or in-laws, can you see their heart? Can you begin to touch their disappointment and anger? This is not intended to shame you any more than you feel shame now. Again, this is not about you, but those your betrayal has hurt. By realizing what their hurt is and the depth of their hurt, you will then be able to formulate what you will need to say to them.

Fourth, I would suggest you write a letter to each person on your list for the very reason that they may interrupt you and you will not be able to complete what needs to be said. By presenting a well thought out letter of confession, it will be up to them what they will do with it. It may be thrown in your face. You may get yelled or screamed at, or told never to return. You cannot control their response or reaction. Keep in mind you are responsible for your actions. In the event of their rage against you, remember your purpose for being there... it is about them not you. The prodigal son recognized he had squandered his right of sonship as we have also squandered our rights of acceptance. I want to share a story from one of my clients. I will not give details of her betrayal, but suffice it to say over a number of years her actions destroyed not only her reputation, but relationships with her family, extended family and several other marriages. Upon a realization, not much unlike the prodigal son’s, she became aware of the wake of destruction she had left behind. She decided to change her life, come back to Christ and surrender her life to His lordship. She made a list of all she had harmed over the years. She then decided to physically face each one and confess what she had done and ask for their forgiveness.

This was a monumental task, one filled with fear and dread. As she recounted story after story of meeting the ones she had hurt, you could envision her walking up to the door and knocking…Taking a deep breath, she would say words like, “I am (__________). I am the one who destroyed your marriage. I may never know the extent of hurt I have caused you. I am so sorry for what I have done to you and your children and your family. I have given my life to Christ. He is my Savior and Lord. I want to ask you to forgive me for the pain I have caused you.” The last time I saw this precious woman, she had personally faced everyone she knew that she had hurt. She told me not one person threw her off the porch or slammed the door in her face. Time and time again she was received with such grace she was shocked. She did it right!

Fifth, realize it takes time to heal. In the story above the hurts this woman had caused had happened several years prior for many of these people, some more recent. In the case of the prodigal son, we don’t know how long he was gone, but apparently it had taken him quite a while to go through his inheritance. Emotional healing takes time. While forgiveness can be granted, trust has to be earned over time. Restoration of relationships is a process not an act. Talk to those who you have hurt and let them know what you are doing to prevent future betrayals. We have all pushed the button that has devastated the lives of family members and friends. What is left for you to say? How will you say it? When will you say it? May the Lord Jesus bless you as you seek to rebuild relationships!

* Yeah, I know, “hearsed” is not in spell check, it just seemed to fit at the time.

(From http://www.everymansbattle.com/articles.asp?id=482)

Believe the whole Gospel!

2008-09-30T06:21:00.002-04:00

O let those who believe in God’s precious truths hold fast to the profession of their faith, not doubt His Word, put away all fear, lay aside all preconceived opinions, all traditions that have warped the mind, and believe the whole gospel!
-Mrs. Edward Mix

The Call to Prayer

2008-09-29T06:13:00.003-04:00

The time has come for everyone to answer the call to prayer. Prayer will usher the church of Jesus Christ into the unity of the faith under the direction of God-appointed leadership. Scriptural prayers issuing from pure hearts in an atmosphere of harmony and agreement will avail much. God called us to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. (See Ephesians 4:3.)

Paul prayed diligently and consistently for the churches. His prayers always focused on relationships, spiritual development, and emotional wholeness. Prayer prepared them to receive instructions on how to get along with one another here in this world environment.

Although there are certain “called-out” ones who serve as intercessors in the church, everyone is called to a lifestyle of prayer. In Matthew 21:13 Jesus noted, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer.’” Individually, each person is a temple of the Holy Spirit, or a house of prayer. Together, we make up one great household of prayer.

When each one of us assumes our respective position on the prayer team, esteeming one another, miracles take place—the plan of God will unfold—and we become one in Christ Jesus so that the world will know that God the Father has sent His Son for their salvation. In this the Father is glorified!

You are...members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. The moment I pray, You send an angel for my words, and Your answer is on its way to me. I purpose with the help of the Holy Spirit that I will always have an excellent spirit and remain in right standing with You. May the words of my mouth and the meditation
of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
(from Germaine Copeland)

Overcoming Discouragement

2008-09-23T06:12:00.010-04:00

from Germaine Copeland, http://www.prayers.org/

Introduction

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” Exodus 5:22,23 NIV.

Here in this passage, we find Moses discouraged, complaining to God. It is important that we approach God with integrity in an attitude of humility. But because we fear making a negative confession, we sometimes cross the line of honesty into the line of denial and delusion.

Let’s be honest. God already knows what we are feeling. He can handle our anger, complaints and disappointments. He understands us. He is aware of our human frailties (Ps. 103:14) and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. (Heb. 4:15.)

Whether your “trouble” is a business failure, abandonment, depression, mental disorder, chemical imbalance, oppression, a marriage problem, a child who is in a strange land of drugs and alcohol, financial disaster or anything else, the following prayer is for you.

Sometimes when you are in the midst of discouragement it is difficult to remember that you have ever known any Scripture. I admonish you to read this prayer aloud until you recognize the reality of God’s Word in your spirit, soul and body. Remember, God is watching over His Word to perform it. (Jer. 1:12 amp.) He will perfect that which concerns you. (Ps. 138:8.)

Prayer

Lord, I do not understand why You have allowed this trouble to assail me. It was after I began to follow You in obedience that this trouble was manifested in my life. I have exhausted all my possibilities for changing my situation and circumstances and have found that I am powerless to change. I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. All things are not possible with man, but all things are possible with You. I humble myself before You, and You will lift me up.

I have a great High Priest Who has gone through the heavens: Jesus Your Son. And I hold firmly to the faith I profess. My High Priest is able to sympathize with my weaknesses. He was tempted in every way, just as I am — yet was without sin. I approach Your throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.

In the face of discouragement, disappointment and anger, I choose to believe that Your word to Moses is Your word to me. You are mighty to deliver. Because of Your mighty hand, You will drive out the forces that have set themselves up against me. You are the Lord, Yahweh, the Promise-Keeper, the Almighty One. You appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob and established Your covenant with them.

Father, I believe that You have heard my groaning, my cries. I will live to see Your promises of deliverance fulfilled in my life. You have not forgotten one word of Your promise; You are a Covenant-Keeper.

It is You Who will bring me out from under the yoke of bondage and free me from being a slave. You have redeemed me with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. You have taken me as Your own, and You are my God. You are a Father to me. You have delivered me from the past that has held me in bondage and translated me into the Kingdom of love, peace, joy and righteousness. I will no longer settle for the pain of the past. Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.

Father, what You have promised, I will go and possess, in the name of Jesus. I am willing to take the chance, to take the risk, to get back into the good fight of faith. It is with patient endurance and steady and active persistence that I run the race, the appointed course that is set before me. I rebuke the spirit of fear, for I am established in righteousness. Oppression and destruction shall not come near me. Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from You, Father. Whoever stirs up strife against me shall fall and surrender to me. I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me. In His name I pray, amen.

Scripture References:Mark 9:24 niv, Deuteronomy 26:8, Luke 18:27, Colossians 1:13, 1 Peter 5:6 niv, Romans 5:20, Hebrews 4:14-16 niv, 1 Timothy 6:12, Exodus 6:3,4 amp, Hebrews 12:1 amp, Genesis 49:22-26 amp, Isaiah 54:14-161, Kings 8:56, Romans 8:37, Exodus 5:22-23, Exodus 6:1-11

Conan (the Librarian?)

2008-09-20T08:20:00.002-04:00

Must.have.more.power!

2008-09-15T16:13:00.006-04:00

Oh my. Funny how we gripe about no power.

All of my state's illustrious electricians were on their way down to Texas to help out after Ike. And Ike came here.

Six p.m. last night, lights out. Candles, flashlights, the usual. Wake up twice to power flashing on and on. Wake up six a.m., still no power. And now no coffee. Not looking good. And then, in the quiet of no television, no computer, silence:

Revelation 2:26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

I will keep Your works; more power, Lord, please? And not just for the coffee.

Regarding Gustav: Glory to God

2008-09-03T06:25:00.008-04:00

This was the call that intercessors heard in their spirits around the nation:

Everyone please pray for this hurricane to be calmed before it reaches New Orleans and so that it doesn't go on to devastate elsewhere, just as Jesus calmed the storm whilst on the boat (Mark 4:35-41).
The power of prayer must never be underestimated. There are nine million people on this website. If we all pray together we can "make a difference." Please pass this on with belief in your hearts that God can do the impossible. Thank you.
(from Bahrain's Sharebook at http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/863989)

The storm weakened before making landfall, and as it went through the projected area. Make no mistake; there is serious property and infrastructure damage expected. But the Lord, as always, listens to the prayers of His people.

I felt a stirring in my spirit to pray that the Lord would spare the people in the area where Gustav was expected to travel, on the order of the promises He made to Abraham in Genesis 18 to spare the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible says in Romans 2:11 that there is “no respect of persons with God.” If Abraham could ask and receive such a promise as this from the Lord, I knew, by faith, so could I:

Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare [f] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge [g] of all the earth do right?"
The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."
Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?" "If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it."
Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."
Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?" He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."
Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?" He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it."
Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."
When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home. (Genesis 18:23-33)

I am mindful that the Lord did not spare the cities of Genesis 18; I believe it was because Abraham stopped at ten. I reasoned that the Lord did spare Lot, and so my request in prayer was “If only ONE righteous man can be found there, will you spare the area for the sake of one?” I also reminded the Lord that He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for any sin that more self-righteous believers might think needed judgement in the form of a devastating storm. One payment for all is that simple. I prayed protection for the entire region. And I had peace, and went to bed.

Reports have come in favorably; while damage to infrastructure and property in the entire region is extensive, lives were spared:

From FoxNews:
Eight deaths were attributed to the storm in the U.S. after it killed at least 94 people across the Caribbean.
From CNN:
(Governor of Louisiana) Jindal noted that the levees and flood walls in southeast Louisiana held up to the storm's wind and rains, to the relief of citizens and officials alike, but that water did overtop New Orleans' Industrial Canal.
"As many of you have seen, we do not have reports of widespread flooding in southeast Louisiana," he said. "We do not have the breaches."
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Tuesday said evacuations and preparation prevented a repeat of Katrina, which flooded New Orleans and killed more than 1,800 people in 2005.
Seven deaths along the U.S. Gulf Coast were linked to Gustav, including four hospice patients who died during evacuations before the storm made landfall Monday.
The U.S. Coast Guard has not made any rescues or acted on any calls for distress in the Gulf Coast region due to Gustav, a spokesman said Tuesday.
"Not a single rescue, and we have not had to respond to any spills or leaks" along the petrochemical complexes around New Orleans, Petty Officer Larry Chambers said.
"The only reason we don't have more tales of people in grave danger and more loss of life is because everybody heeded the governor's instructions, the mayor's instructions, the parish president's instructions to get out of town," Chertoff said at a news conference with Jindal.

We know that many were wise to heed the instructions of the governors and mayors, but ultimately all glory belongs to the Lord Most High, who is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— the LORD, who remains faithful forever (Psalm 146:6) that heard the prayers of His people and spared the area.

Thank you, Father God.

Never Alone

2008-09-02T07:35:00.003-04:00

Life can seem lonely. Listen here to Barlow Girl:

Editing Wisdom and Running Peripherally

2008-08-31T07:50:00.012-04:00

I am flattered and excited beyond belief to have been asked to help edit a fantastic blog at WordPress entitled "Wisdom Beyond Years"

http://www.wisdombeyondyears.com

Ms. Kim is the primary author and publisher of this blog and is an extraordinary Christ-follower and all around really NEAT person. Please take a look at her blog. Her writing is a "feast for the eyes." Would that all blogs were as well written!

Another fascinating exploration is the blog "Running Peripheral"

http://runningperipheral.blogspot.com/

I've known this author for awhile now, and this blog is a thoughtful examination of how best to navigate family dynamics that stray far from the nuclear or intact family. This author excels at remaining objective in often painful examinations, all for the purpose of understanding. If you desire to dig a little deeper, do "run peripherally" with this intelligent, empathic author! You will come away from the experience not only with a broadened viewpoint but having enjoyed the exercise!

Truth, be told

2008-08-29T06:42:00.003-04:00

In what will be amazing to some that know me and my belief that politics are irrelevant, I am posting a video of Barack Obama fielding a question from Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. Why? My husband sent it to me and asked if I believed Mr. Obama was genuine in the video. (He is adamantly opposed to an Obama presidency; I believe that the Lord raises up and strikes down the leaders of the nations of our world; I trust He will endorse the president the country needs or remove him if he is not the one He chooses. My husband and I don't discuss politics much.)

Yes, I believe Mr. Obama is genuine in this video and am glad for the relationship he attests to. I think his stand on issues of importance to alot of Bible believing Christians are misguided and will likely cause consternation from the Lord on the final day we will all face, but I rejoice at his accurate assessment of the true relationship a Christ-follower should have with God, a clear view of how we are all called to serve as our Lord did, and that he recognizes it and personally chooses to follow. This is cause for celebration among all Christians!

But, it's not enough for me to vote for him. Again, why? Because it is not just sharing a common faith in Jesus Christ that matters. I have seen politicians, past and present, that I could discern were Christ-followers, and yet their decision making processes and worldview were contrary to what the Bible teaches. Unlike some Bible believing Christians, I do not focus on specific issues in order to choose a candidate, but I cannot dismiss them wholly either. ETA: In the 2000 Presidential election, my vote came down on the side of the pro-life stance of George W. Bush because I otherwise saw pros and cons to both candidates that made them equally viable presidents (no pun intended.)

There is more to being a Christ-follower than a profession for and a desire to follow Him. Mr. Obama is heaven-bound by the Scriptures. Would that he would read more of them with regards to some of the policy stands he takes.

Battle of the Wills

2008-08-04T16:47:00.000-04:00

Tantrums have been very much on my mind this week. My daughter has taken great pleasure in throwing them, and I've had a number of reasons to think they might be a reasonable reaction to the difficulties I've seen this week, in various aspects of my life, but most notably in the area of family.

This Friday, I leave to take my daughter to visit my parents and sisters in Vermont. This is not an easy trip. My daughter is at a difficult stage, the flailing around in public places being the part that drives me the craziest. Equally difficult is the flying, no matter with whom, because of the lack of cooperation by most commercial airlines.

But my daughter's strongwilled determination to go where she wants to pales in comparison to facing my family of origin for 5 days. My husband was most helpful in getting us costly airline tickets. But my price to pay will likely be far greater.

My family of origin has seen alot of the very best and worst about me. They see my current condition as being among the worst; I believe that I have finally arrived at the place that is truly "Cristy!" (This is where the sparring begins!) But I think I have to do this; my parents are 66 and 72 years old. They've relocated and claimed "retirement." And it's family, right? Or find your family where you want it? I imagine throwing myself to the ground, kicking and screaming, defending my right to MY LIFE. A full-blown, only-child tantrum.

But I'm not an only-child. I can't just whine and shout and demand my way. Because it's ultimately not about MY way. And I can't choose a life of wanting to faithfully follow Christ and talk about anything but HIS way.

So, in these circumstances, I do as I've seen in the animal kingdom, I expose my belly as a sign of trust; not trust in my family, but trust in the Lord. I put my daughter and myself into the middle of the frenzy, knowing that my life and lifestyle will be criticized, even ridiculed. And I do it all in the name of love.

"Do try and remember to trust the Lord, Cristy. If they see love, then you've truly won the battle of the wills.""

Hopeless, am I?

2008-07-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

Ah, Facebook and Webkinz. I've arrived, although I'm uncertain there will be much fanfare at either place for it.

Truthfully, I am baffled by both, and yet grateful that a friend has introduced me to them. When K is finally allowed to be online, I'm sure I'll need to have a basic understanding of all these facets of the online experience, so better to cut my teeth, so to speak, on these seemingly benign ones. And I will certainly need a familiarity with them as a librarian (or I think my first professor said so in that rotten course I had to take over the summer. I will decide later if I will believe him.)

I don't like submitting to fear of trying new things usually. And I'm far from stupid. It is, quite simply, alot of WORK. And I don't have time for more work.

We'll see what falls to the wayside, when I can't give some things the attention they need.

I just pray the little tiger in Webkinz will be patient with it's foolish momma. Much like K.

Ah Guilt!

2008-07-29T21:32:00.000-04:00

A good friend, recently rediscovered (thank you, E) has nagged me into doing a little "work" on my blog. So all the pictures have come down, and I will try desperately to keep the slideshow updated, and post far more regularly.

I have been negligent for two very good reasons; the first being graduate school. A masters program in Library and Information Science from Kent State is all time consuming these days. One course and one workshop taken over the summer semester, and a full courseload to begin at the end of August. It is *alot* of work. More than I could imagine at the beginning of the year. But I will do this. It is important.

The other very good reason has been rather unselfish. Without a great amount of detail, I have been very much engaged in a battle involving a rather ugly and sordid event among some people I care very deeply about. Like other events in my Christian walk, the battle has been primarily in the soul realm (thanks to A who has helped me see the difference in battles!) I have been fighting constantly to put down my rights and my desires to the better goal of achieving Christ's desires: unity, restoration and most of all, genuine love. For my part, I pray. Always, to pray.

Life is good. As is the Lord, forever.

Love,
Cristy S.

Hello Cyberspace!

2007-09-03T21:01:00.001-04:00

Wow, this is neat. I never thought I'd be technologically saavy enough to have a BLOG. Note the capital letters. That means I must be serious.

What to say?

Not much for the time being. I'm uncertain as to what this blog should be about. I'm a Christ-follower. I'm a Momma. I'm a Stepmom. I live in Central Ohio and I love my family and my dogs.
What can I contribute to cyberspace? Very little, I imagine, that anyone would be interested in.

Perhaps with thought and prayer it will become evident to me.

God's peace,
Cristy S.