Neglectful

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
                   Proverbs 14:1

              What comes to mind when you think of being neglectful? Ignoring, selfish, doesn't care, and so on. Only the really bad people can be neglectful, right? You know. The ones who let their kids do whatever they want and they don't even bat an eye when their kid is in really bad trouble.  Let's see what this word means.

           Neglectful- not giving proper care or attention to someone or something.

             Well, let me tell you something. All of us have been neglectful sometimes. Like usually over the weekends I am horrible with my laundry. It usually stays in the laundry basket for like two or three days. Or when it comes to cleaning the dishes, sometimes I just don't want to do it! 

             What if we were all neglectful of something that is really important and we think that it's not bad. That it's actually normal. But in reality it's killing us.

                                                          Suck it up
        A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
                                                           Proverbs 14:15
      Are all of us being neglectful to something or someone? Think of all the things that you have neglected over the years that you didn't mean to neglect but, it happened slowly over time.  Now while thinking of that. Let me tell you that America is neglecting everything it stood for and had at the beginning. Freedom of speech, freedom to worship, Prayer to The One True God, endurance, justice, compassion, etc. You may say that the times they are a changin'.  Seriously? That's what you have to say?!! Yes things change but in God they don't have to.  
   A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
                                                         Proverbs 14:16
         Suck it up!! That's what this country seems to be saying now. Accept it. Tolerance is your friend.  
         The Media tells us this. Follow the lives of people who everyone knows, get wrinkle creams and face washes that will make your skin look more fresh, clear and young.  
        
         Feminism tells us this. Follow your dreams! Your family is weighing you down, they're just keeping you from what's really important. A career!!

         Planned Parenthood tells us this. You don't have to have this fetus (child), it's just keeping you from being happy and living exactly the way you want to live.

        I could keep going but I think you get my point. We need to stop looking at things or people to make us happy or we need to stop ignoring the "problem" and face them with the strength and hope that Christ gives us when we seek him for his help. 

        Most importantly; we need to stop neglecting God. We may not think we are. We think that praying for others, attending church once or twice a week or other church activities is enough for him.  You know what God has been saying to me lately?  " I want your full attention and your love." God doesn't Need our love. But he wants it. He desires for us to get to know him. Stop neglecting your family, friends, and God if you have been. Come back sister. Wake up and see that you are loved.  You are needed and you are wanted.
           

Is Peace Possible?

                         For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.
                                                    Ephesians 2:14

                      The woman running for Miss America answers the question for what she most wants in the world, and she says..."world peace."  The man who runs a huge company that is on the brink of collapse quietly says to himself, I wish I could have a moment's peace.  The frayed mother that is at the end of her rope screams to her family, "Can't this house ever have peace and quiet?!"  The man going on an early morning run stops for a moment, marveling how the world seems so peaceful at that moment, at that time.

                      Peace. That word seems so close and yet, so far. During Christmas time, peace feels like if we had the right hammer we could shatter the thin layer that is holding that beautiful thing back.  Will we ever have peace on earth? Is it even possible?

                                    Where is our Peace?
                 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
                   Isaiah 9:6

                  Have you ever wondered what the word peace means?

                 Peace- Freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility. 

                You've felt that your whole life. You don't know when it snuck in: That longing to be away by yourself for a few moments or hours just to read, or think.  You revel the silence of night, just laying in bed doing nothing.  No violence, no war, no fighting, no hatred, no fear, no worry. Nothing, just peace.  

               You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
             Isaiah 26: 3

           What if I told you that peace has been here, for a very long time? That peace came down in a baby. That baby grew and offered this peace that he was willing to give. That peace came from his Father. It also came from Him for he was The Son of Man, He was God incarnate, I Am, Prince of Peace. 

              "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
                                                                                              John 16:33

           Jesus was His name and still is. Let me tell you a story. Jesus was born to very normal parents. But the way it all came about was extraordinary. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in His mother Mary. Who was a virgin.

 He grew up and became a man and told many people about his Father in heaven. Many people believed him and many hated him.  He was killed. Not swiftly but over the course of hours. Tortured, and beaten and forced to carry the very thing he was going to be killed on. He died in excruciating pain. Why did he have to die? Because of our sin we should have been the ones to die. But no, God sent his son down as a living sacrifice to save us, His beautiful creation, from being separated from him forever. 

           After three days, Jesus came back!! He told everyone that he has overcome death for us. He is our peace! When we trust him and believe him he wipes us clean from our sin and makes us new. The thing is, we still will struggle with sin and have troubles in this world but, we are no longer under it's bonds. We are free and we can freely drink in God's peace!!

                

Back off!!

         
                          A greedy man (or woman) stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
                     Proverbs 28:25

                        Feminism. There are great things about it. Since those brave women stood for the right to be seen as people that have a say, many a good door has been opened since. We can vote, work outside the home, go to school and college and get the same education as men. We're so much better off for what those women have done. Or...are we?

                                 I can do as I please!  

                       There was once a beautiful sunflower. It was a magnificent flower. This flower sat atop a hill, watching animals and birds throughout the day. Soaking in the sun,  it grew in strength. It loved to share it's bounty with the birds as they came for food for themselves and their young. Then...the bugs came. They didn't care what this sunflower was or who it was. They simply wanted what they thought they deserved. The sunflower saw the bugs but paid no heed. "Alas, why would they harm a magnificent flower like me?" To its ignorance and pride, the sunflower did not know it was exactly what the invaders came for.

                    Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.
                                                                                                              Genesis 3:16

                 That flower can represent many people. It can represent the pride within us. And the greed within us all.  But this story represents the pride of men and the greed of women. Now don't forget, I'm as much a full blooded women as the next. But what terrifies me is we are killing our men mentally and spiritually. Have you ever wondered why men seem to be becoming more passive now? Why are men acting more feminine?  Is it just the way things are because this culture is changing? Yeah, this culture is changing, but do you want to fall down with it?  

                I truly believe that those men (in the past) saw women as just creatures of pleasure, heir producing instruments. They were pieces of art work to show off. They were absolutely wrong for that.  These men were power hungry, wanting more money, women and things. Now, the tables have turned. A lot of women see men as sex objects that they can use and dispose of when they want. We reveal our gems. showing off our own bodies at such an extreme degree. We are becoming power hungry, wanting more money and things. We as women are absolutely wrong for this! We are reversing the roles and becoming those very men we dislike or hate. What's worse is women are stooping to such a low place as to use our bodies as a tool over men to gain our status at work or to show that we are faithful to our man. 

              Really?! Ladies we need to back off and stop trying to be like men. Yes, we are equal as human beings, but we have special and unique roles as men and women. Roles to be filled with pride and honor. 

        Where are you women of Noble Character. Where are you men of Honor? I know there are still people out there who are like the honorable men and women of old.      

The wonder of it all

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                     They and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever.
                                                                   Ezekiel 37: 25

                    " Abba? can you tell me the prophecy about the Prince of Peace again?"

                    What was that like?  For hundreds of years before Jesus was born, that's what it must have been like.  The Jews, and probably many other people, grew up learning the prophecies about Jesus and memorizing the good news so they would recognize him when he came.                     

                  Growing up, I heard the many stories of Jesus' life here on earth: The story of him feeding the multitudes. The many things he taught his disciples and the people willing to listen. All the healing he did. And his death on the cross. That was a natural part of my life. Especially listening to the memorable story of his birth at Christmas time.  What about before Christ was born? Were people excited about the different prophecies about Jesus? 

       Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and call him Emmanuel.
                                                 Isaiah 7:14   

               What are some cherished traditions you and your family have this season? One tradition I especially love is the Christmas Eve tradition. My family would have lasagna for dinner. Then we would go (or more rush) to the Christmas Eve service at our church. We would come home and make a pot of hot apple cider while getting into our pajamas.  Then we would read about Jesus' birth while drinking our hot beverage. Then, lastly,  we would read Twas' the Night Before Christmas. 

               Maybe it was like that for the Jews.  They could have celebrated the joy of knowing that God was going to come down and free  his people. To free them from this slavery of sin. Now this Christmas keep that in mind. Celebrate the peace, hope and joy that we can have because of Christ. 

          Everlasting Father, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace!!!!    

Evil=Fun?

                     So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love , and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. 
                                                 2 Timothy 2:22

                       What is fun anyway? Isn't something fun that makes you laugh? Gives you joy and makes you happy? Is it bad to like certain things? Well is it?

            Be very Careful what you think
                   
                    The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
                                                                                                                         Luke 8:14

                 Is there a difference...a line between evil and fun? I mean a horror movie or a theme park ride that has murderous, crazed chainsaw people running after you isn't wrong; is it?  It all is where our heart is.  God talks about our heart being filled with evil. We think or we say that the human race is actually good under the bad stuff. No, there is nothing good in us but Christ (if you chose to believe in him).   

                 Have you found yourself chuckling at a commercial that had suggestive humor in it? Laughing out loud at an obscene remark? Or have you encouraged friends or family that a movie that clearly encouraged and even rejoiced in death and brutality is a good movie to watch?  Even in things as "little" as watching a movie and saying it's romantic when the female lead is married and sleeping with another man, making it out that the man she's with is her true love and not the one she is married to.  I am very much guilty of owning movies like that and what not.  So, what do we do about it?  

              "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God." 
                 Leviticus 19:31

               Have you watched a movie or T.V. show about ghosts and haunted things, demons and conjurings? Have you ever played with a Ouji board? Are those really fun?  The sin within our soul desires the twisted and dark. But God desires the straight and light. If we are for God, why should we go against him with turning to the Evil one to his tools and trickery? 

              What about sex? That can be fun right? As long as you love that man it's fine. Doesn't God say sex is a good thing? 

                                    What do I do?...  
               
                   Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. 
                                                                                                                              Psalm 37:4 

         Delight yourself in the Lord. Hmmm. What does that look like?  Over the past three years, God has been showing me what that looks like.  I often pondered over that.  To delight yourself in the Lord is to first ask God to show you what that looks like. Then ask God to change your heart to delight in him.  Is it really as easy as that? Not exactly. It boils down to praying for your own heart if you truly desire that.  There isn't a guide book for how to do everything in the exact order at the exact time. Your walk is different from mine and vice versa. God told me to throw away those movies and even books that celebrated sex .  What I'm saying is to be attentive to his voice. And follow what he wants you to do. Let him protect you.  

      
     God's word is full of truth and healing. If you believe that sex outside of marriage, masturbation or any other sexual act outside of God's will will only harm you and others around you, I understand. Living in this world that screams out this junk from every corner and bend is pressuring.  Stick close to Jesus. Pursue things that don't encourage sexual immorality.

      Dark spiritual things are a big thing that you need to be wary about. If you see a Oujie board, pray for the store owners that are carrying that in their stores that God will show the truth to the owner and that he will protect the innocent that come in the store. The media encourages death, demons and deep evil as a form of entertainment. Dear sisters, you and me are daughters of the light. Run from that!! We cannot serve both God and Satan. Never look to that as your form of entertainment.      

       If we are to be "little Christs," we can't enjoy things we used to enjoy before we met Christ.  He wants to change our hearts to beat in time with his. How can you when yours is full of clots, clogged vessels and leaky veins.  It can be dangerous to our spiritual health. We can develop bitterness, lustful desires and thoughts, dissatisfaction, fear, worry, sexual immorality and so forth.

           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 praisworthy-think about such things.
                        Philippians 4: 8   

         

How can you?

              "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

                                                                                     Deuteronomy 31:8

             Have you ever found yourself; dare I say...forgetting about God?  Before you yell for my banishment and throw rotten fruit and vegetables at me, please hear me out.  

                                         Sorry... I forgot 

            I found myself pondering this thought one day a couple weeks ago.  

            I wish I didn't forget you (God) so easily.

            What would it be like to remember God all the time. Never being absent from your mind?

          Will Heaven be like that? What will it be like to have God's presence surrounding you all the time? Never forgetting him.

         

  You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

                        Acts 2:28

        Right now as I write I'm listening to the music theme from Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle. Joe Hisaishi's music composed for Haya Miyazaki's movies are so beautiful. I have to say, listening to his music makes me feel closer to God. I can feel his playful presence in the roll, swell and gliding of each note.  The reason why I brought that up is because when we forget about God. Don't worry. Were human. Were only capable of so much. But, when you find yourself remembering God (God's probably placing his presence at the forefront of your mind) grab it fast. Dwell on him. Dream of him. When I find myself in a dazed thoughtful haze of my loving Savior, I put on beautiful, breathtaking soundtrack music that I absolutely love. I can almost see his smile as we sit together in silence or quite conversation.

                   

                                                             (Here's the song so you can listen to it) :)   

        

Patience is a virtue

        Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,  faithful in prayer.

                                                                                           Romans 12:12

                   Where did that saying 'patience is a virtue' come from?  I found that it's not necessarily specific who made that saying up exactly but, here are two poems that the saying came up in.

                       . Piers Plowmen

                       . Canterbury Tales

                     Now that's not the point of what I'm writing about.  Patience. Does it have a negative or positive effect on you?  Now you can't say neither because you have to chose one or the other.  I would say it has a positive effect.  I think of how nice it would be to be able to be patient with my sisters when I most need it. 

                                                                     Be still...

                   Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lords coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You to, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

                                                                                                                    James 5:7-8

                      We live in a now culture. I want this now, I need this now, do this now, get out of my way now!!! What happened to patience? Did it get tangled in the telephone poles or get lost surfing the web?  We can't wait any more. When something breaks we freak and want to fix it right away and our whole life goes on hold because of that Tablet, phone, MP3 or what ever!  How  do we get patience? Because I have to admit, I can be patient easy peezy in some areas and in others...not so much.

                               Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might  so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.

                                                                                                                                 Colossians 1:11-12

                   I don't know about you but, man, that gives me hope and joy to know that God is there to help me and give me the patience I need.  Ask God if you so desire it. Go ahead, He is patiently waiting.  There is hope that patience can come back. You just have to be patient. (He he)                            

Gracious

                                                               

                      The word of the lord came to me:...
                                                               Ezekiel 12:1

                   He watched as his children went about doing their own business.  Always thoughtful, the father would follow his sons and daughters sending them personal messages of love and caring.  They would noticed but for a moment and turn away with a cold shoulder. Some of them would ignore it altogether. He was not desperate, just patient. Neighbors would scold him and tell the father to mind his own business. 
                 " Let them live their lives as they please." They would sneer.


                The father knew. With a deeper knowledge and pain he knew that he had to do this. He found someone...one of his children who loved him and listened obediently.  

                He gave him messages to tell the other children. Instructions of discipline; fear of what could and would come if they did not turn from their deeds of destruction and selfishness. He also shared with him to tell them the hope that they can have if they go back to him and be back in relationship with him.

                 " Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people..."
                                                                                                       Ezekiel 12:2

                         More love then we can take   
                 
                   That story I told you is about us. And like the people during the past, too. Pretty much during all of history.  But do you notice? Through the story the father, God our Father, is always loving. Even when he's angry. Because his anger is just, clear, and true.  God has every right to discipline us. He can clearly see everything we do that's against him. 

                  Now get this. God is patient. Yeah I know...I've heard that before. You're probably thinking. Have you ever thought of how patient? God is so patient that he could easily give us  thunder and lighting words in the sky clearly telling us to turn back or else. No... he actually chooses a man who has to digest what he's telling him (which could take hours or days) then wait patiently for the man to gather his wits and spread the news. God usually gave the messenger a couple months or years so the people could have a chance to take it in, turn to God, and repent.  Now how much more patient can you get then that?!


           For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;it is the gift of God,
               Ephesians 2:8

                 That to me is almost overwhelming. God loves me and you that much that he gave us the gift of eternal life freely!!  Just like God choosing men to spread his message.  He sent his son down and Jesus became fully man while being God.  Jesus and God were patient beyond my understanding.  Jesus could have come down as a fully grown man and got the job done faster.  He literally took the time to grow inside Mary like a baby and grow up like us.

                 The picture I have above was from last year. A neighbor girl and I teamed up to create three bake sales in three months so that money could go into buying Christmas gifts for her family.  I do admit there were times when I could have been like,
                " Give me the spoon,  I would have been done with this by now! It's late and I want to eat dinner!!"
                 God definitely gave me the patients and grace to live in the moment with her and enjoy her company.

                  God wants to enjoy each moment with us and he wants us to live in the moment with him.  Give your time to him today.  Ask God to wash you with his grace and patients so you can share that with others.                    
       

          
         

All for Christ

                                                                       

                               If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God.

                                                                                                            2 Corinthians 5:13

    I taught a class about the persecution of Christians and martyrs to a group of middle school girls and they were flabbergasted.  They had never heard; never even realized that Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith! They just couldn't wrap their minds around the thought of being killed simply for believing and following Christ.

                        Some faced jeers and flogging, while others were chained and put in prison.  They were stoned,  they were sawed in two; they were put to  death by the sword.  They went about in sheepskin  and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated.

                                                                                                                Hebrews 11: 36-37

                                        How do you feel?

      You like many others probably hear about Christians being persecuted and killed for their faith all the time. How do you feel about that?  Does it make you feel angry that people are doing that to our brothers and sisters? Do you want to defend them and tell the persecutors how wrong they are?  Or; do you feel joy and inspiration in such faith that enabled them to lay down their life for Christ? 

                      "Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven."

                                                                                                            Matthew 5:12

     I'm not saying you shouldn't get angry or upset when someone is killed.  I'm saying that Jesus told us to expect this.  
          "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
                                                                                                                            Matthew 10:22

    We as Americans start funds and do things to save our fellow brothers and sisters in different countries with money and through the laws of this world.  When the reality is, this started with Jesus. He died for the world, to save us. The world hated him! It's the same with us. We should not be surprised when we hear of a Christian laying down their life or their life being taken away because of their faith.  I don't know if we'll ever understand what its like to be in that position but, we must remember that reality. We are not of this world. This world hates us and will do what ever it takes to eliminate us, but we have hope in Christ for this is not our home. Our permanent home is with God and that's what we have to look forward to. That is our Hope.

Where art tho Romeo?

        *Sigh* Where Oh where are you Romeo?  Have you ever thought that?  Coming close to eleven years since waiting for my future husband, I'm only twenty-three, but that sounds like a long time.  

         About two weeks ago I was really feeling down in the depths about waiting for my future husband.  I was having it all out at God.  We live on farmland now so it's nice to go in the field and talk to God...or yell at him.  Yeah, I was screaming, crying, stomping the ground, punching the air. It was an all out fight.  I'm sure it was no where close to when Jacob wrestled with God.  

         I calmed down and I went into our barn. I talked with God quietly, discussing with him how I truly felt about waiting and waiting, and my fear that I'll be getting married when I'm a lot older.  One of my desires is to marry when I'm young. I want to be able to have children.  I've "reminded" God of that desire numerous times. 

          It wasn't until a couple days later that God told me to let that fear go.  Letting go of my white-knuckled grip was hard. Then God told me this.

                   Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

                                                                                                                Hebrews 11:1

          I am at peace again! For those of you who are waiting just like me; it's okay.  Now Juliettes, listen up! Don't just sit on the balcony and weep for your prince in shining armor. Reach out to other Juliettes who are lost and need the love of our King and Savior. In this time don't sit ideally by twiddling your thumbs but seek out what God has planed for your single years.       

Here you go God

                    Why is it that when we're done setting aside the money we'll use for our plans, after we're satisfied with how we spent our time,  then we give God what's left?  Is there something wrong with that picture?

                 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong?  When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong?  Try offering them to your Governor!  Would he be pleased with you?  Would he accept you? Says the Lord Almighty.
                                                                                                                              Malachi 1:8 

                Naturally we are not thoughtful of others.  Even if we do think of others out of our sinfulness we think of how we can get something out of it.  It always has to come back to us.  How does God feel about that?  Does that make him angry, jealous or sad? 

                                                          Really?!!

                First off, God is angry at the audacity we have and the arrogance it takes to truly think that because God doesn't need anything, then His demand must be more of a guideline.  

               Second, he's jealous that we are giving ourselves over to an object or person wholeheartedly but then realize out of regret that we didn't pray or read our Bible that day so it's more guilt time then quality time.

             Third,  it fills him with grief and sadness.  It's not because he's lonely but more because he wants us to get to know him and he wants to share himself with us on a more intimate level.  

                      When I fed them they were satisfied; when they were satisfied they became proud; then they forgot me.
                                         Hosea 13:6

              Really?! Really?!!!  How can people be so self righteous and snub their nose at God once they have everything they want and their life is going "their way."  Oh, he he he....that's me too.  

              Sadly the reality is all of us are prone to becoming like that.  How do we keep from that path?  How can we strive closer to God and actually desire to be with him, to give him our best and enjoy his company?

                                    Give me a chance

                    Now Abel kept flocks and, Cain worked the soil.  In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the first born of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
                                                                                                        Genesis 4:2-5

                Well, Cain gave some of his fruit...whats the big deal?  He brought God something, isn't that enough?   

                It's not the stuff that matters. What really matters is where your heart is.   Was Cain excited to give his fruit to God?  Now get this.  It says over time Cain gave God some of the fruits of his soil.  Then,  Abel brought some of the fat from the first born of his flock.  Cain brought his offering...eventually.  But Abel brought his offering right away.  

               Have you ever done that?  
                     " Come on do I have to?  Wait until next week.  I'll see what I have left."

              Why can't we do this?
                      "Thank you for providing this for me.  Take this portion and may your will be done."

           It doesn't have to go that way precisely but you get the idea.  Be honest with God.  Tell him where you are.  At first it will be hard giving up your time, money or whatever else to God. But over time it gets easier if you're committed.  The biggest thing is, if you truly desire for God to change your heart on that subject, he will.  Even praying, asking him to change your heart is a beautiful thing.

           Give God a chance; because he gave you one through his son.  

Don't talk about it

     
                     All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.
                                                                                                                     Ecclesiastes 3:20

                           I have to be honest.  I hate talking about death.  I hate reading about it and listening to things about it.  If you are the same please don't stop reading.  Bear with me.  This could help you accept it with peace.

                           Whenever I heard of death I would brush it out of my mind not willing or wanting to think about it.  I grew arrogant about death.  For some reason I thought I wouldn't have to face death if I didn't face the reality of it. 

                                          ...A time to be born and a time to die,...
                                                                                                Ecclesiastes 3:2

                       The thought of leaving this earth freaked me out because I couldn't imagine leaving all my things (sad but true. I'm so embarrassed to admit), I couldn't imagine leaving my family (or them leaving me), and last; I hate to think of the world going on without me.  Like I never existed.  It's so strange how death is the most natural thing in the world and yet, the most unnatural.

                      What really got my attention was on July 29th of this year my sister's cat Lacy passed away suddenly.  It hit all of us like a ton of bricks.  Her health went downhill literally in a matter of 14 hours.  Then on Aug 9th we had to put our elderly 19-year-old cat down.  When I could have been overwhelmed by all this death I felt a clarity.

                                      ...A time to mourn and a time to dance,...  
                                                                                             Ecclesiastes 3:4

                     I began a journey with God to face death and look to Heaven.  What helped me a lot was reading Francis Chan's Crazy Love.  That book was crazy good!!  He is so thoughtful  and aware of God and the spiritual.  He knows how to be blunt and gentle.  There was one chapter where he was talking about death.  That was the first time I didn't run.  I stood my ground, held God's  hand (until my spiritual knuckles were white) and kept myself from screaming with terror. It took lots of hyperventilating, tears and despair.  Then God came in.

                                       For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
                                                                                        John 3:16

                    God reminded me that this body will die but my soul is going to live!  I'm going to still be alive but even better.  I'm going to be able to see God and be able to hug him and talk to him and more!! I have so much good to look forward to.  Now, death isn't so scary.  It still kind of creeps me out but; there is hope. I can dance and sing knowing that Jesus has defeated death for me and you! We no longer need to be afraid of it. We have hope.  

It's Alive!!

            Your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

                                                                    Psalm 139:16

            God knew us before he even recorded anything about us in His books.  That even expands my thinking of how grand and big God is.  Could it be hundreds or thousands of years before we were recorded? Did He always know us? Wanting to create us? Looking forward to making us?

              A gasp and cry fills the room.  A woman cries over the treasure that was given to her.  So small and fragile yet strong, he breathes the breath of life.  He's Alive! 

               A shriek pierces the night.  A woman cries over the loss of her treasure.  She was not loved but used as an object, a tool to gain what was wanted so desperately in that moment.   She feels that there is no other choice for her.  No hope.  How could this...thing inside her be human?!  She goes to uncaring cruel hands that take the  thing out of her. It is discarded. There is no breath, no life. Just death.

               Birth and death.  Those are two natural things in life.  But death from abortion is not natural.  That is one of the most cruelest things you could ever let be done to your child.  And life. Does it matter where life comes from no matter how unnatural? 

                                       That's not Natural 

                                          

            For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.

                                                                                                 Psalm 139:13

                

             Artificial wombs.  Haven't heard about it?  That is one of the worlds newest explorations.  A mouse was grown full term in an artificial womb and even a human child was grown for a few weeks or months then was terminated!!  

             If children are grown in artificial wombs that would be horrific.  Life would become less sacred to a lot of people.  Children could be grown and harvested on demand for sex slavery, labor, and even for gaining organs for others; who knows what other countless horrors.   Children are already being used for evil.  Why make children that would directly serve that purpose?  

           You may be feeling angry  that God isn't doing anything.  How can He allow such abominations to happen on this earth!!  Maybe that's why you're here. God gave us all the gift of choice.  What will you do?  Life is being threatened every day.  Will you stand and say "enough!" or will you ignore and wither until you're nothing but a walking corpse?  If Christ lives in you,  you are more alive than those who don't have him.  Fight for the weak.  You don't need to help with a charity.  The most powerful thing you can do is pray and ask God to show you how you can help in this world. Ask Him, " what do you want me to do?"

               But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.

                                                                                                                        Ephesians 2:4-5

"I'm alive, alive I say!"